CWU Human Resources Manager Earns Senior Certification

Central Washington University Human Resources Manager Leah Valverde has earned the Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), placing her among the most accomplished professionals in the HR field.

CWU HR Manager Leah Valverde

The internationally recognized SCP certification is awarded to HR managers who have at least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties and successfully complete an examination that measures knowledge of key human resource concepts, as well as their judgment and decision-making skills.

"The SHRM certification is the standard of excellence for those working in the field of human resources," said Staci Sleigh-Layman, executive director of CWU's Department of Human Resources. "By earning her certification, Leah has shown an understanding and a proficiency of best practices in human resources."

Valverde has been working in HR for more than 20 years overall, including the past eight at CWU. She says she is passionate about human resources because of the relationships she has developed with others on campus.

"I really like working with people," Valverde said. "It sounds cliché, but I do think they're the most important resource we have. Our organization at CWU is all about the students and the faculty and staff who help them succeed. I was drawn to working here because of that."