Valentina Pinto
Valentina Pinto is a dedicated quality project management specialist at Legend Biotech, where she oversees quality assurance and quality control initiatives, including new equipment implementation, change controls, and audit remediation. In her role, she ensures that QC and QA teams meet their deliverables on site-wide projects and actively intervenes to keep projects on track. Valentina’s work directly supports CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, enabling meaningful contributions to patient care and advancing innovative treatments in hematology.
Valentina began her career at Rutgers University, working with RUCDR Infinite Biologics as a student worker before advancing to senior laboratory technician after graduation. Her early laboratory experience involved expanding and preparing cells for pharmaceutical clients, supporting a wide range of assays, and collaborating on projects for multiple biotech companies. These experiences laid the foundation for her transition into quality control and, eventually, quality project management within the pharmaceutical industry.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Valentina continues to invest in her professional development, currently pursuing PMP certification through Penn State to enhance her project management expertise. Her achievements include leading initiatives such as the in-house implementation of a MaldiTOF unit, which generated significant cost savings for her organization. Fluent in English and Spanish, she combines technical proficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and a patient-focused approach to drive excellence in pharmaceutical quality management.
• Heartsaver CPR & AED
• Lean Lab Practitioner Training
• FPX Certified Project Leader
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
• Rutgers University - B.S.
• Award for MaldiTOF Implementation Project (2025)
• Adult Day Center of Somerset County
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success largely to the mentorship I’ve received, particularly from Kimberly Clemente. I initially joined the Maldi project as a shadowing opportunity, working closely with Kimberly, one of the project managers. Her guidance was invaluable in helping me understand the broader aspects of quality and project management. Kimberly has been one of my strongest mentors and supporters, and I continue to learn from her even today. Her consistent support has been instrumental in my growth, helping me advance from a QC analyst to my current role as a Quality Project Manager.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the industry to keep an open mind and explore all their options. Many people who study sciences like biology or chemistry assume the traditional path is becoming a doctor, but that’s not the only route. For me, I knew pharmaceuticals existed, but I had no idea what quality control entailed. Discovering this path has been incredibly rewarding and educational. There are so many opportunities within the pharmaceutical field beyond the traditional routes, and the potential for growth is tremendous. I encourage young women to explore these possibilities and find the path that truly excites them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the significant room for growth within pharmaceuticals, particularly through implementing specialized capabilities in-house. For example, the implementation of MaldiTOF demonstrates how strategic investments in technology can not only enhance operational efficiency but also generate substantial cost savings for the organization.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Supporting meaningful causes is central to both my professional and personal life. In my work in CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, I have the opportunity to contribute to important medical advances that directly impact patients. Beyond my day-to-day work, I actively support the Multiple Myeloma Foundation each year, participating in their walks in New York and other local events whenever possible. Being able to align my professional contributions with causes that matter to me is something I value deeply and strive to prioritize in everything I do.
Locations
Legend Biotech
Tiscataway, NJ 08854