Yilitza Olivera-Santiago,CQA, CQM/OE
Yilitza Olivera Santiago is a Quality Systems Manager at Medtronic in Humacao, Puerto Rico. She is a passionate and results-oriented leader with a strong technical background and a deep commitment to community engagement. With over three decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, Yilitza has built a distinguished career in global companies, advancing through roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. Her areas of expertise include microbiology, sterilization, regulatory compliance, and quality systems. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in industrial microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez Campus. Yilitza is also professionally certified by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Certified Quality Auditor and Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, and is a Senior Member of the organization. In addition, she is an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA) – Women’s Chapter.
Yilitza has been a long-time advocate for advancing microbiology in Puerto Rico. She served as President of the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists (PRSM) from 2019 to 2020, was President-Elect for 2024–2025, and currently serves as President for 2025–2026. She remains dedicated to strengthening the ASM branch in Puerto Rico, supporting initiatives that promote continuous improvement, sustainability, and the visibility of the organization. Her mission is to help ensure that PRSM continues to serve as a collaborative platform for students and professionals, fostering respect for science and research in society.