Yilda M. Acevedo
Yilda Acevedo is a seasoned pharmaceuticals professional, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and adjunct professor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. With a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Professional Engineer license, she has built a lifelong career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, blending technical expertise with operational leadership. Her career spans continuous improvement, quality assurance, and process optimization, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, Design of Experiments (DOE), and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Throughout her career, Acevedo has demonstrated a talent for driving measurable results. She previously served as Director at the Forensic Science Institute of Puerto Rico, where she established the Quality Assurance department and implemented key performance indicators to optimize employee productivity. Her achievements include generating $15 million in six months for Bristol Myers, maintaining zero FDA and FBI observations in pharmaceutical plants, and pioneering customer service initiatives with five-minute response standards. She is recognized for fostering leadership and empowering her teams, often encouraging employees to take ownership by acting as “boss for a week.”
Currently, Acevedo is focused on founding her own pharmaceutical company, Farm PR Inc., in Puerto Rico, fulfilling a lifelong dream to expand the island’s pharmaceutical capabilities. She continues to consult for academic institutions, mentor industry professionals, and champion continuous improvement and operational excellence. A trailblazer for women in a traditionally male-dominated field, she was honored as Woman of the Year in Puerto Rico in 2007, reflecting her commitment to leadership, innovation, and breaking barriers in science and engineering.
• Professional License Engineer
• Domina ChatGPT: de Novato a Experto en 4 Días
• Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez - MEng
• Woman of the Year in Puerto Rico (2007)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong passion for the industry, unwavering persistence over the years, advanced education, and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was early encouragement to present to senior leadership, which helped build my confidence and visibility. This was further reinforced by completing a six-month Dale Carnegie training course, which had a profound and lasting impact on my professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to pursue what truly makes them happy and follow their passions. I encourage exploring all areas of the field, breaking through mental barriers, and seizing opportunities without limiting themselves.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that it remains male-dominated, and cultural barriers for women—especially in Puerto Rico—still persist. At the same time, there’s a significant opportunity to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing based in Puerto Rico. I am working to be among the first to do so, helping to shift priorities that have historically favored other countries.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, a commitment to continuous improvement, breaking barriers for others—especially women—and cultivating personal happiness.