• Home

A woman achiever of a different kind

Catherine is no high-flying businesswoman or brainy 
wizard, but adds a pinch of love to her job

Type the word ‘high-achiever’ into your Internet browser and the definition is simple: a person who achieves more than the average person in their work.

But if I were to say think of a female high-achiever, most of us would conform to a stereotypical way of thinking. Likely that of a well-dressed lady, driving her luxury car to her high-rise office.

Despite the common misconceptions, high-powered job roles and over-flowing bank accounts do not always narrate success, and bringing truth to this fact is Catherine Cruz — a different kind of achiever.

Catherine’s name came up during a recent conversation about work ethics, where one friend jokingly turned to me and said: “If you ever want to do an article on superwoman, I know just the lady.”

That lady is Catherine.

So, on the fall of Inspirational Women’s Day today, what better way to find out just what makes her so super.

Recently taking on the role of nanny to five-and-a-half-month-old Frank, the woman championing just how inspiring Catherine is is her employer Naomi.

“I don’t know how she keeps Frank so happy, and the house so immaculate. I know I’d struggle in that position. She really is a superwoman.”

Waking up at 5am everyday, Catherine’s routine is regimented. Breakfast, bath, and then off to work. But it’s not a high-rise office she’s heading to, nor is it a Bentley she is driving.

Taking the metro from her shared accommodation in Al Barsha for her 7.30am arrival at The Springs, Catherine is welcomed with a beaming smile from little Frank – or Frankie as she affectionately calls him.

“When he sees me, he laughs and smiles. He’s lovely.”

Despite keeping her on her toes till 6pm, Frankie’s nap time doesn’t mean feet up for Catherine. Instead she gets straight on with the house work.

“I like to surprise my employers by keeping the place clean and tidy. I want them to be happy too.”

Moving to Dubai four years ago, Catherine says money was tight back in the Philippines despite working ungodly hours in a factory. And with a special needs son to look after, she says Dubai was the best option for work.

“It’s tough working away from my family, but it’s to benefit my baby. He’s 17, but I still call him my baby.”

The 38-year-old admits the first three-and-a-half years were “very tough” here, working seven days a week for a hotel, and as a full-time maid, but now she’s very content.

“I was never happy back then, but my new employers are very good to me. I want to stay with them and Frankie for as long as I can.”

And Catherine says she is honoured to be noted an inspiration.

“For me, it is important to be a role model for other women,” she says.

So whether you’re a stay-at-home mum, or a high-flying businesswoman, there’s a good chance you’re inspiring someone out there, whether you know it or not.

• UAE