Evelyn Ortiz-Perez
Evelyn Ortiz-Perez is an accomplished plant breeder and research leader specializing in soybean breeding, biotechnology, and agricultural innovation. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding from Iowa State University and has built a career dedicated to advancing crop improvement initiatives through rigorous scientific research, experimental design, and cross-functional collaboration. Her expertise encompasses variety development, transgene quality assurance, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into plant breeding programs.
As Soybean Breeding Program Lead at Inari, Evelyn manages the end-to-end breeding pipeline, from product concept to variety development. She monitors key performance indicators and leverages benchmarking and performance metrics to optimize program efficiency, maximize genetic gain, and control costs. Throughout her career, she has cultivated strong leadership skills, providing guidance to her team while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement in germplasm development.
Evelyn is passionate about mentoring the next generation of plant scientists and values the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders across cultures and disciplines. Her experience in building strong, cross-functional relationships has strengthened her ability to drive creative solutions and achieve meaningful advancements in agriculture. Beyond her technical and leadership contributions, she is recognized for her effective communication skills, enabling her to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights for her team and partners.
• Iowa State University - PhD
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and perseverance, always ensuring that nothing stands in the way of achieving my goals.
Outside of work, I have a strong passion for spending quality time with family and friends, as well as nurturing my love of reading.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be proud of who you are and to stand up for what you believe in. I’ve found that embracing this mindset not only builds confidence but also guides me in making authentic and meaningful decisions throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace opportunities and not be afraid to take chances—that’s how we grow and learn. Always keep moving forward, stay curious, and continuously seek out new skills and experiences.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is expanding networking and connecting with others, as collaboration is key to growth. As leaders in agriculture, we have the ability to share knowledge, support one another, and drive innovation across the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are leading by example, serving as a mentor to others, staying open to new opportunities, and striving to make a positive difference every day.