Ponce- The Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association on Thursday recognized leaders and companies in the health and human capital sectors during the Industrial Core Summit: Human Resources, Health & Safety, held at the Ponce Fairgrounds Complex.
The Health Transformation Award was presented to Medical Card System, while the Wellness and Prevention Impact distinction went to Laura Domenech, senior medical officer and assistant professor of Pediatrics at Ponce Medical School Foundation.
In the Health Innovation category, Carmen Ramos de Alba of CRA Financial & Consulting Group was recognized, while the Quality and Safety in Healthcare award was granted to Luis Morales of Steris Isomedix.
The Health Leader of the Year award was presented to Gloria Amador Fernández of Salud Integral en la Montaña.
In the human capital category, the Career and Legacy in Human Resources recognition was awarded to Ivonna Pacheco, chief operating and human capital officer at MSSS Group.
Cristina Senquiz, associate human resources manager at Stryker Puerto Rico, received the Emerging Human Resources Professional distinction.
The Change Management and Organizational Transformation award went to Melisa De Jesús of Great Lakes Solex Puerto Rico.
The Talent Management Innovation category recognized Gabriel Rodríguez, human resources strategic partner manager at Stryker.
Mario Mora Varela of Optum received the Leadership Development and Training award, while Nelmarie Monge of Optum and Ana Medellín of TOTE Maritime jointly received the Excellence in Organizational Culture and Engagement distinction.
During the opening session, Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association President Rafael Vélez Domínguez said industrial development requires addressing workers’ health, safety, and professional growth.
“Our island’s competitive equation demands agile business infrastructure, but above all, an unwavering commitment to people,” Vélez Domínguez said in written statements.
The forum brought together business leaders, experts, and regulators to discuss talent management, occupational health, labor compliance, industrial safety, and business resilience.
Association Executive Vice President Karen Mojica Franceschi said the forum was designed as a platform for practical solutions for companies and professionals.
One of the topics discussed was a new standardized compensation policy currently being developed by the Financial Oversight and Management Board, presented by Deputy Executive Director Arnaldo Cruz.
According to organizers, the initiative includes a virtual marketplace with artificial intelligence tools to assess skills, identify gaps, and recommend training opportunities.
The Industrial Core Summit will continue Friday, May 22, with educational sessions and the announcement of top awards for occupational safety best practices.