Yilda M. Acevedo
Yilda Acevedo is a pharmaceutical industry professional, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and chemical engineer with extensive experience in quality systems, regulatory compliance, and process optimization. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and has built a career focused on operational excellence in highly regulated environments.
During her tenure at Bristol Myers Squibb, Acevedo contributed to initiatives that generated more than $15 million in operational value while maintaining zero observations during inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
While serving at the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences, she worked with team leaders to achieve accreditation through ANAB Accreditation (formerly ASLAB) within her first seven months.
Acevedo is the founder of PharmPR Inc., focused on advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and operational excellence. She continues to consult, mentor, and promote high standards in science and engineering. In 2007, she was recognized as Woman of the Year in Puerto Rico for her professional and community contributions.
• Professional License Engineer
• Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• Lince Mastermind
• Lean Six Sigma
• Continuous Innovation
• University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez - MEng
• Napoleon Hill Institute
• Presidential Award at Bristol-Myers 1999
• Presidential Award at Bristol-Myers 1997
• Woman of the Year in Puerto Rico (2007)
• Dale Carnegie Gold Pencil
• AARP
• Volunteer at Orlando Health Hospital
• Poor Student Tutor for Univ and High School
• Fundacion Unidos para Servir
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. Also, taking the Lince Mastermind Principles for success.
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.
