Sylvia Acevedo

Sylvia Acevedo is an American engineer, technology executive, and author who served as the chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA from 2017 to 2020. Her career spans significant roles in the technology sector at companies like IBM and Apple Inc., and she has been a prominent advocate for increasing access to STEM education for girls. Acevedo's leadership at the Girl Scouts focused on modernizing the organization and emphasizing skills in computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Early Life and Education

Sylvia Acevedo was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and grew up in a family that valued education despite facing economic challenges. Her early interest in science was sparked by building a model rocket as a Girl Scout, an experience that set her on a path toward engineering. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from New Mexico State University, where she was a National Merit Scholar. Acevedo later pursued graduate studies, receiving a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University and completing additional coursework at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Career

Acevedo began her professional career as a rocket scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, working on projects like the Voyager program. She then transitioned to the corporate technology sector, holding engineering and marketing positions at IBM in Austin, Texas. Her career advanced at Apple Inc., where she worked on early PowerBook computers and later served as a senior executive. She founded and led a successful market research firm, and served on the board of directors for organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Her executive experience also includes roles in consulting and venture capital, advising startups in Silicon Valley.

Girl Scouts USA

Appointed as interim CEO in 2016 and confirmed as permanent CEO in 2017, Sylvia Acevedo led the Girl Scouts of the USA during a period of significant transformation. She launched the organization's first national cybersecurity badges and expanded programming in robotics, coding, and space science, partnering with institutions like NASA and Code.org. Under her leadership, the Girl Scouts introduced new badges in environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship, and she spearheaded initiatives to increase membership in underrepresented communities. Acevedo emphasized the importance of the Gold Award, the organization's highest achievement, and worked to strengthen the Girl Scouts' financial sustainability before stepping down in 2020.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Sylvia Acevedo has received numerous accolades for her leadership and advocacy. She was named a "Great Immigrant" by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and has been honored by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the most influential Hispanic women in corporate America. Acevedo received the "Trailblazer Award" from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and has been recognized by the National Science Foundation for her contributions to STEM education. Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and Forbes, and she was appointed to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.

Personal Life

Sylvia Acevedo is the author of the memoir "Path to the Stars," which details her journey from the barrio to becoming a rocket scientist and CEO. She is a frequent speaker on topics of leadership, resilience, and equity in STEM fields, addressing audiences at forums like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Acevedo remains actively involved with educational nonprofits and serves on advisory boards for institutions promoting science and engineering education.

Category:American engineers Category:American chief executives Category:Girl Scouts of the USA