Your Partner in HR for Small Business

Reliable, compliant, and people-first solutions tailored to small business needs

About Patricia Cruz

HR Expert. Community Advocate. Trusted Partner.

Originally from Brazil, Patricia Cruz brings over a decade of international HR experience, backed by credentials in Psychology, Behavior Analysis, and an MBA in HR. Now based in Spokane, she holds SPHR and PHR certifications and is fluent in both English and Portuguese.

Patricia specializes in supporting small businesses and nonprofits with tailored HR solutions. Certified in DISC Analysis, she helps teams improve communication and leadership. Passionate about equity and sustainability, she partners with local nonprofits and BIPOC-owned businesses to build stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

Let’s chat about your HR needs.

Tailored HR Solutions

HR Assessment & Compliance

Full HR audits to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring your business is always up to date.

Policy Development & Employee Handbook Creation

Tailored policies and employee handbooks that reflect your company’s culture and legal obligations.

Recruitment & Staffing Solutions

Streamline your hiring process, from job descriptions to onboarding, ensuring you attract and retain top talent.

Payroll and timesheet support to maintain accuracy and efficiency in employee payments.

In-House HR Support & Leadership

Temporary HR leadership and project-based support, including part-time or interim HR officer services.

Strategic HR planning and implementation to help your business grow and adapt to market changes.

Training & Development

HR Training programs focused on leadership, compliance, and employee engagement, tailored to the specific needs of your organization.

Ongoing professional development to ensure your team stays ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes.

Customized workshops.

Patricia Cruz

SPHR in Spokane, Washington

“At Efficient HR Solutions, I understand the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. Whether you’re looking to streamline your HR processes or improve employee engagement, I offer customized services to support your goals.”

Patricia's Certifications & Expertise

SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources)

PHR (Professional in Human Resources)

MBA in HR (Master of Business Administration – Brazil)

Professional training in Clinical Behavioral Analysis (Brazil)

Bachelors in Psychology (Brazil)

DISC Certification (Brazil)

Bilingual – Portuguese (native), English (Fluent) & Spanish (Intermediate for understanding)

Multicultural Professional

International Leadership

With more than twenty-five years of international Human Resources experience, Nawal Guelzim Brings a thoughtful strategic approach to supporting organizations and their people. Known for her professionalism, discretion, and cultural fluency, she helps businesses navigate complex HR challenges while building workplaces rooted in fairness, compliance, and strong leadership.

Workforce Development

Originally building her career across multinational organizations and public institutions, Nawal has held key HR roles including positions with Merck Sharp & Dohme and leadership experience in the insurance sector as a Training Manager. Her work has also supported public-sector initiatives focused on workforce development and community-centered programs.

Organizational Strategy

Now based in Spokane, Nawal leads HR functions that support organizations through strategic planning, compliance, staffing, training, and organizational development. Her approach focuses on clear communication, ethical leadership, and creating systems that help both employees and organizations thrive.

Multilingual

Fluent in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish, Nawal brings a truly global perspective to HR leadership. She is passionate about strengthening workplace culture, empowering teams, and helping organizations grow with integrity and confidence.

Nawal Guelzim

PHR-HRCI & THRP-NNHARA (National Native American Human Resources Association)  in Spokane, Washington

Nawal's Certifications & Expertise

PHR (Professional in Human Resources)

THRP (Human Resources Professional Certification)

NNHARA (National Native American Human Resources Association)

Multingual – English (Fluent), French (Fluent), Spanish (Fluent) & Arabic (Fluent)

Why Choose Efficient HR Solutions?

With over a 2 decades of experience, I provide a personal touch to HR solutions, ensuring your business’s unique needs are met. Whether you’re navigating complex HR challenges or building a strong organizational foundation, my commitment is to provide practical, efficient, and impactful HR solutions tailored to your goals.

As a BBB Accredited Professional (since February 10, 2025), my services are trusted and recognized for excellence. My mission is to ensure your business remains compliant while fostering a supportive work environment for all employees.

Reach Out – Let’s Make HR Work for You!

Whether you need immediate HR support for a pressing issue or are looking to strengthen your HR department for long-term success, I am here to assist. Together, we can create an HR strategy that aligns with your business goals and values, driving your success and fostering a positive work environment.

A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply involved in supporting the diversity of both organizations and communities. I work with businesses that are focused on uplifting underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and Latin-owned businesses in Spokane, and helping them build sustainable and inclusive practices.

As an advocate for social justice, I also provide guidance to organizations on creating diverse, inclusive workplaces and promoting equity and a respectful workplace. This commitment to diversity enhances organizational performance and builds stronger community connections, making me an ideal partner for organizations that want to make a positive impact.

Community Partners

La Latina Spokane

Read about Patricia in La Latina Spokane’s March 2025 issue!