Nancy Escarcega, MPH, CISS-EO, ASQ CQA
Nancy Escarcega, MPH, CISS-EO, ASQ CQA, is a dedicated biotechnology professional specializing in sterility assurance and microbial control. Currently serving as the Associate Director at Lonza, she leads global initiatives to ensure the sterility and safety of cell and gene therapies, playing a critical role in delivering life-saving treatments to patients. With over 12 years of experience in microbiology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, Nancy combines technical expertise with strong leadership to troubleshoot issues, support network sites, and maintain rigorous quality standards across complex manufacturing operations.
Nancy began her career in microbiology immediately after earning her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from New Mexico State University, later completing a Master of Public Health from American Public University. Early exposure to laboratory work sparked her passion for understanding microorganisms and their impact on medical products, gradually guiding her into specialized roles in sterility assurance. Along the way, she earned certifications as a Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist-Ethylene Oxide (CISS-EO) and an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in her field.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Nancy is known for her collaborative and empathetic leadership style, encouraging teams to solve problems together and fostering environments where questions are welcomed. Her contributions have been recognized through speaking engagements at industry conferences, highlighting her as one of the influential women shaping the biotechnology sector. Passionate about both her work and her community, Nancy supports initiatives such as animal rescue through This Is Houston and has been featured in the 2026 Influential Women Magazine for her leadership and impact in science and public health.
• Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist-Ethylene Oxide (CISS-EO)
• ASQ Certified Quality Auditor
• New Mexico State University- B.S.
• American Public University- M.P.H.
• MQPAT Kilmer Collaboration Team- Microbiological Quality Process Analytical Technology focused on QC and analysis of microbiological processes
• VP Membership-Alumnae- Delta Gamma
• This Is Houston
• AAMI
• MQPAT Kilmer Collaboration Team
• Delta Gamma
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning. Being invited to speak on a professional conference panel as one of the only young Hispanic women was a pivotal moment that made me realize I was on the right path and truly love what I do. My drive and dedication not only help me grow in my career but also allow me to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles and follow their dreams.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my father, who instilled in me the value of hard work, education, and perseverance—he didn’t give me a choice but to succeed, and that drive has shaped everything I do. Professionally, I’m also incredibly grateful to David Dominguez, who gave me my first opportunity in the field and believed in my potential before I even did. Their guidance, combined with lessons learned from colleagues and mentors along the way, has taught me to embrace challenges, stay committed, and always keep growing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it. Don't let anybody put you down. You can do whatever you set your mind to, and it's gonna take hard work. Sometimes it may be harder work, especially if you're getting into a male-dominated field, but you can do it. There were a lot of moments where I had to tell myself, I can keep going, I can do this. Like I said, with the panel and the aha moment I had with that conference, you can do it. Don't let anybody tell you you can't do it. You can be a mom and manage to work. You can balance being a mother and having a beautiful family and thriving in the workspace - you can do it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating a male-dominated industry while balancing family responsibilities alongside the demands of a high-stakes career. At the same time, there’s an incredible opportunity to contribute to the development of life‑saving cell and gene therapies and to ensure that these products are safe and effective for the patients who need them most. It’s both demanding and deeply rewarding work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
As a Christian woman, my faith always comes first and foremost. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when things get really hard. I certainly try to run my days and run my life with faith. Things that I bring to the table is I always try to be very approachable. Even with my teams, I'm an open book. Come ask me questions. So as a leader, I just try to be very collaborative, very approachable, and I'm very firm when I need to be, but I'm such an empath that I also resonate with my teams and just try to be fair with everybody. I just want to be fair and approachable and collaborative.