In the dynamic world of HR, Admin, and Facilities leadership, few names resonate as powerfully as Jackelene “Jackie” Aquino. A multi-awarded executive, thought leader, and advocate for inclusive transformation, Jackie has consistently redefined what it means to lead with purpose. From shaping employer brands to mentoring future leaders, her journey is a testament to strategic vision, human-centred leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Throughout her career, Jackie has stood firmly by a people-first philosophy. As she put it, “Throughout my career, my core leadership principles include authenticity, strategic empathy, and continuous transformation. Leadership is not just about driving results, it is about inspiring people to grow, adapt, and thrive.”
Leadership Built on People-First Strategies
Whether leading HR in a tech-driven startup or a 10,000-strong BPO, Jackie has always prioritised aligning business goals with culture and inclusion. She highlights that her recognitions—including the AdvantageClub.ai’s Most Admired Women Award 2025, as well as honours from CCAP and the HR Council—reflect the collective efforts of her teams.
To her, employer branding is more than a buzzword. “Employer branding is the emotional and professional connection people have with an organization. It is not just about recruitment, it is about reputation, retention, and resonance.” This philosophy earned her recognition at the Philippines Employer Brand Awards from year 2023-2025, where her team’s work in amplifying employee voices and crafting authentic narratives was celebrated.
Championing Growth and Inclusion
Jackie is not just a leader within her organisation—she is a mentor, communicator, and advocate in the HR community. LinkedIn has become her space to spark dialogue, share milestones, and amplify causes close to her heart, especially women in leadership. Her recent graduation from the Cornell CXO Leadership Program (Class of May 2025) further deepened her understanding of global HR trends and the importance of cross-functional thinking.
She believes inclusivity must be intentional, especially in the BPO sector from customer care, travel, fintech, gaming, healthcare and facilities management. “I focus on listening deeply, understanding diverse workers’ needs, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.” For Jackie, inclusivity is not just policy—it’s practice.
A Judge at the 2025 HR Stars Awards Philippines
With her wealth of experience, Jackie brings a discerning yet compassionate eye as a judge for the HR Stars Awards Philippines 2025. She looks beyond numbers, explaining, “As a judge for the HR Stars Awards PH, I look for entries that go beyond metrics. I value innovation with impact, stories of transformation, and initiatives that reflect genuine care for people.”
For her, the most compelling stories are those where HR proves itself both strategic and soulful—driving business success while uplifting lives. As she closes, Jackie leaves us with this powerful reminder: “True HR leadership is about creating cultures where people feel safe to be human—where empathy drives strategy, and every policy reflects care.”
