Meet the Team

Photo of Founder and CEO Ubaldo M. Córdova-Figueroa, Ph.D.

"Success in a complex world comes from learning to work collaboratively. At Acerola Strategies, our diverse team of experts and partners believe in the power of working together to achieve great things. We are committed to helping you meet your needs."

Ubaldo M. Córdova-Figueroa, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO

Support Experts

  • Smiling person with glasses wearing a blue sequined dress, earrings, and a necklace.

    Valeria A. Cruz-Zapata

    STRATEGIC OPERATIONS & PROCESS ENGINEERING

    I hold a B.S. and M.E. in Industrial Engineering. I excel in project management, evaluating project progress, performance, and compliance, managing teams, and optimizing processes using Lean Six Sigma. My analytical skills and attention to detail ensure program milestones are met, driving sustainable growth and success.

  • Woman with long dark hair wearing a gray blazer, smiling with arms crossed against a light gray background.

    Miriam C. Laracuente

    PROJECT MANAGEMENT & PROCESS ENGINEERING

    I am the founder and CEO of IGNIS. I have over 25 years of experience as an Industrial Engineer. I specialize in Environmental, Health & Safety, and Ergonomics. With multiple master's degrees and a Ph.D. in Economics in progress, I bring both theoretical knowledge and practical leadership, excelling in complex projects and fostering collaborative excellence.

  • Andrés Calle

    AI & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

    I am a visionary entrepreneur with a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and founded AppLivio S.A.S. and DoCare LLC. I created SOFIA, an AI tool improving clinical trial engagement to 90%. My strategic insight and technical expertise drive success in healthcare technology, earning awards like the TechConnect Defense Innovation Award.

  • Woman in a red blazer with blonde hair smiling against a gray background.

    Eunice Pérez-Medina, Ed.D.

    ACADEMIC PLANNING & ASSESSMENT

    I hold an Ed.D. and have extensive experience in faculty development, higher education administration, assessment, institutional effectiveness, and data-driven academic planning. I excel in addressing challenges in academia, leveraging my expertise to foster growth and innovation in educational environments, ensuring optimal outcomes for institutions and learners alike.

  • Person wearing glasses in front of an indoor garden with green plants and a mechanical structure.

    Luis A. Torres-Perez

    INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

    I co-founded Engine-4, a coworking and innovation space in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, to promote STEAM education and incubate startups. With degrees in Computer Science and Aviation Electronics, my interest in technology and innovation led to the Caribbean's first 5G NB IoT lab, fostering 5G innovation and a holistic ecosystem for transformative impacts.

  • Person with glasses standing against an orange background, wearing a dark jacket and shirt.

    Kevin J Ponce-García

    TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

    I am a Software & IoT Technology Designer with a Computer Science degree. My skills span robotics, programming, and IoT. I aim to empower leaders and organizations in tech innovations and create IoT-focused solutions for socio-ecological impact.

  • A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a suit and tie, smiling in a professional portrait with a neutral background.

    Yamil Colón, Ph.D.

    AI & MATERIALS

    I earned a B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, focusing on computational materials research for energy applications. My work involves computer modeling, software development, and AI for different applications. I support organizations needs in data-driven solutions.

  • Person standing outdoors with green foliage background, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, smiling, arms crossed.

    Héctor Tavárez, Ph.D.

    ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

    I have a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (economics concentration) and a master's in Economics. I specialize in economic valuation of non-market goods, cost-benefit analysis, and viability assessment of policies.

  • Woman smiling with arms crossed wearing a white lace top, standing in front of a blue ocean.

    Antares Ramos-Álvarez, Ph.D.

    STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

    I am a geographer and marine environmental conservation strategist with over 20 years of experience. A Puerto Rico native, I have worked with NGOs and governments in Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. I founded Antares Conservation Tactics and co-founded Sail for Reefs, Inc., focusing on climate adaptation and marine conservation.

  • Man speaking at a microphone in a casual shirt

    Christopher Papadopoulos, Ph.D.

    SUSTAINABILITY ENGINEERING

    I am a professor of Engineering Sciences and Materials. I hold B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. I lead a sustainability engineering initiative and am active in various sustainability programs and conferences.

  • Smiling person taking a selfie in a shaded agricultural area with irrigation pipes and soil beds.

    Agro. Francisco Ocasio

    AGROBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

    I am an Agricultural Economist and founder of ECOFINCA LLC, driving sustainable agriculture. I focus on reducing food imports, promoting local produce, and improving agricultural businesses through enhanced administrative efficiency and financial strategies. My work balances production with conservation, aiming for a healthier, eco-friendly future.

  • Man wearing sunglasses with a beard in front of lush green mountains and foliage.

    Agro. Gabriel Fontanals

    SUSTAINABLE FARMING

    I hold a B.S. in Agronomy, specializing in Agricultural and Environmental Systems. I excel in sustainable farming, cannabis, hydroponics, and controlled environments. My work with Hydroponics Puerto Rico redefines agriculture through innovation, making me a leading figure in agrotechnological advancements.

Partners & Collaborators

Logo of Ecofinca featuring a greenhouse, tree, and farmland with text 'Agricultura a Nuestro Estilo' below.
Logo with three hydroponic towers, a Puerto Rican flag, and text reading "Hydroponics Puerto Rico Since 2020."
Logo of Colón Group with a hexagonal emblem featuring interconnected lines and circles, alongside the text "COLÓN GROUP."
Logo with the word 'DOCARE' in blue and gray letters on a black background.
AppLivio logo with purple and blue design elements.