Yilda M. Acevedo leads PharmPR and pushes for women in Puerto Rico pharma

Yilda M. Acevedo, a chemical engineer and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, is being recognized for her work in pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and women’s advancement in Puerto Rico. She founded PharmPR Inc. and says the island’s growing pharma sector could create more opportunities for local talent.

Why it matters: - Acevedo’s work sits at the intersection of pharmaceutical quality, compliance, and local economic development in Puerto Rico. - Her career highlights how operational excellence in regulated industries can translate into measurable business value and more local capability. - Her focus on women in science, engineering, and construction adds a workforce-development angle beyond pharma.

What happened: - Yilda M. Acevedo was recognized by Influential Women for her leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. - Acevedo is a chemical engineer, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and a founder of PharmPR Inc. - PharmPR Inc. focuses on pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and operational excellence services. - The company is described as the first Puerto Rican pharmaceutical manufacturer on the island. - Influential Women included a profile on Acevedo with more information.

The details: - Acevedo earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering. - At Bristol Myers Squibb, she helped deliver more than $15 million in operational value. - Bristol Myers Squibb also maintained zero observations during FDA inspections during her tenure. - Earlier in her career, Acevedo helped the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic secure its first ANAB Accreditation, formerly ASCLD/LAB, within seven months. - Acevedo has also worked in quality systems, regulatory compliance, and process optimization. - In 2007, she was named Woman of the Year in Puerto Rico. - Acevedo said early encouragement to present directly to senior leadership helped her build confidence and communication skills. - She later completed a six-month Dale Carnegie training program and participated in Lince Mastermind Principles for Success. - Acevedo opened a School of Construction for underprivileged women in Manatí. - Women in the program receive an education certificate, are contracted after finishing, and have child care support while studying and working.

Between the lines: - Acevedo’s message suggests Puerto Rico’s pharma sector still has room to expand local manufacturing capacity and retain more of the island’s technical talent. - Her comments also point to ongoing barriers for women in a male-dominated industry, especially in Puerto Rico. - The construction school broadens her impact, linking workforce access with practical support services that can make training more realistic for low-income women.

What’s next: - Acevedo said she wants to keep supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing growth in Puerto Rico. - She is also continuing to mentor professionals and promote quality-management best practices. - Her broader goal is to help more women enter science, engineering, and construction while building stronger local career pathways.

The bottom line: - Acevedo is using a pharma career built on compliance and operational wins to push for more local industry capacity and more opportunities for women in Puerto Rico.