Her Story
About Denise
Denise Velloso Rodrigues, MBA, is an accomplished clinical research professional serving as an Investigator Site Manager at Eli Lilly and Company. With more than 20 years of experience in clinical research and trial operations, she has built a diverse career spanning Eli Lilly, Labcorp, and Covance. Her experience includes clinical trial site management, clinical data management, laboratory operations, site coordination, and collaboration with sponsors, investigators, and cross-functional teams to support efficient and high-quality clinical trials. Throughout her career, Denise has developed strong expertise in clinical trial operations, process improvement, problem solving, stakeholder management, and operational efficiency across therapeutic areas such as endocrinology, cardiovascular, neurology, oncology, and diabetes. She is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and is passionate about applying innovative solutions and continuous improvement strategies to advance clinical trial excellence. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she also brings strong communication, presentation, training, and relationship-building skills to her work. Denise holds an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing from Marian University Indianapolis. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and is committed to mentorship, professional development, and community engagement. Her career reflects a dedication to continuous learning, embracing challenging problems, collaborating with others, and creating a positive impact in healthcare and clinical research.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Denise
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying curious, embracing challenges, and continuously learning. I started my career as a Latin America Coordinator without a grand plan, but I kept showing up, taking on difficult problems, saying yes to new opportunities, and learning from every experience. Twenty years later, I continue to approach my career with that same mindset. My journey has not followed a straight line, but each challenge and opportunity has shaped my skills, perspective, and growth, teaching me that success comes from being adaptable, resilient, and willing to keep moving forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to invest in myself, keep learning, and never be afraid to tackle difficult problems. I believe challenges are opportunities to grow and become better at what I do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You belong here. Your career doesn't have to be a straight line. Get comfortable being the person who solves the problem that nobody wants to touch. Don't wait until you feel ready to invest in yourself. Bring your whole self to work. Whatever makes you different - your language, your culture, your story - is exactly what makes you valuable.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are consistency, humility, and a strong work ethic. I started at the very beginning, before Labcorp, simply focused on doing my job well and showing up every day. I was willing to say yes to the problems no one else wanted to tackle, and that mindset has shaped my career and brought me to where I am today.
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