“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” - Joseph Campbell, American writer, professor, and scholar
Not all careers follow the paths we map out for ourselves. Sometimes, life opens a door we never expected, and in doing so, reveals our true purpose. Diana Abreu’s journey is a powerful reflection of that truth.
Diana didn’t plan on a career in human resources; it found her. Before leading people operations for major companies like Perry Ellis International, Fresco y Más, and Hemmersbach, she was building a career in the travel industry. Managing teams and solving problems came naturally, but what truly energized her wasn’t the logistics, it was the people behind them. She often found herself mediating conflicts, mentoring employees, and helping others find their confidence, work that felt less like management and more like purpose.
“I always say that life brought me into Human Resources. I started in the travel industry, managing operations and teams, and that’s when I realized how much I enjoyed the people side of the job, the investigations, the conversations, the coaching, and helping others grow. I realized that was my passion.”
That realization sparked a turning point. Determined to turn her passion into purpose, Diana decided to invest in her growth and enrolled in Florida International University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) program. The decision, she says, transformed not only her career but also her confidence as a leader.
“Upon graduation, many doors opened for me,” she recalled. “I began teaching, leading seminars, and advancing within HR departments. It was a true success for me, and I’m hoping it will be for you as well.”
What made the experience so powerful, she explained, was how practical and personal the program felt. Faculty members with executive experience brought real-world insight into every class, challenging her to apply what she learned immediately. Her classmates, professionals from across industries and countries including Japan and Peru, expanded her perspective on global leadership.
“The program really changed how I thought about HR. It trained me to anticipate workforce needs, to align talent with business goals, and to have those conversations at the executive level. I became more confident communicating with senior leaders and presenting ideas with data to back them up.”
Lessons from a Seasoned HR Executive
Now an accomplished HR leader with over 25 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, Diana continues to mentor professionals seeking to advance in the field. She is also the President and Founder of Image Models International, an academy that empowers children, teens, and women to build confidence, develop soft skills, and strengthen their personal and professional presence. Through its professional division, she coaches individuals on executive presence and leadership growth while supporting community development through nonprofit partnerships.
During a recent virtual session with MSHRM alumni and prospective students, she shared insights on common mistakes that hold HR professionals back from stepping into leadership roles and how to overcome them.
Among her advice:
- Move beyond compliance: “Don’t stay too tactical. Think strategically. HR isn’t just about policies or compliance; it’s about aligning people initiatives with the company’s goals and driving results.”
- Embrace data and numbers: “You may not love finance, but you must understand it. Learn to read P&Ls and leverage analytics to connect people strategy to business performance, that’s what earns you credibility at the leadership table.”
- Have managerial courage: “Avoiding tough conversations limits growth. Leaders must face conflict with courage and empathy.”
- Invest in lifelong learning: “Certifications, mentorship, and continuing education keep you relevant. The professionals who advance are business leaders first, HR leaders second.”
- Lead with empathy and respect: “A great leader is not someone who knows everything. It’s someone who knows how to treat people with empathy, with respect, and with collaboration. That’s what builds trust and makes people want to follow you.”
- Stay curious and connected: “Have fun. Build your network. Don’t just see the program as a degree, see it as a laboratory where you can experiment, learn, and grow. Ask questions, challenge what you hear, and apply what you learn right away.”
About FIU’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) Program
The MSHRM program at Florida International University prepares professionals to align people strategy with business goals. Offered in both fully online and in-person formats, the 12-month program provides AACSB-accredited coursework and prepares graduates for SHRM-CP certification.
To learn more or apply, visit mshrm.fiu.edu.