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Auralís Herrero

ad4hlj@r.postjobfree.com • 718-***-****

https://www.linkedin.com/in/auralishl/ • San Juan, PR Program Director

Dynamic and strategic business leader with over 15 years of exceptional program management experience, delivering exponential revenue growth through ethical practices, product innovation, and seamless non-traditional supply chain management while ensuring client-centricity and certification compliance. Multifaceted background, smooth bridging sustainability expertise gained as a professor and entrepreneur with hands-on program management and operational prowess at a prominent garment factory. Extensive experience in establishing collaborations with artisans and designers, preserving traditional craft techniques while driving innovation in the industry. Proven talent for conceptualizing and launching innovative products that have led to record-setting revenues. Skilled in orchestrating operations with a focus on sustainability, implementing streamlined circular models, and achieving operational excellence with gender equity and economic inclusion. Possesses remarkable expertise in team training and project oversight, ensuring alignment with client needs and expectations.

Areas of Expertise

• Program Management

• Strategic Planning

• Process Improvement

• Business Development

• Budgeting & Cost Control

• Revenue Generation

• Product Management

• Supply Chain Management

• Manufacturing Operations

Career Experience

Blue Water Defense Corozal, Puerto Rico 2018 – Present Program/Product Manager (2020-Present)

Spearhead expansion efforts, capitalizing on an in-depth comprehension of product and industry trends. Oversee client relations while simultaneously leading manufacturing operations for 30 commercial programs, resulting in substantial category growth. Ensure strict compliance with customer requirements, guaranteeing utmost satisfaction and loyalty.

• Drove exponential growth by penetrating manufacturing sectors, resulting in quadruple expansion of the business.

• Led revitalization of product design processes, systems, and databases to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.

• Utilized exceptional business acumen by generating a substantial $10-12 million in additional revenue, achieving impressive profit margins ranging from 15% to 35%.

• Orchestrated the innovation and development of a diverse portfolio of over 25 cutting-edge products, while leading a multidisciplinary team of experts across multiple disciplines, including engineering, R&D, pattern making, and manufacturing.

• Forged successful partnerships and commanded pioneering research and development that exceeded expectations with esteemed entities like the Department of Defense, Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute, Siemens, Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, Sonitus, Levis and Sewbo.

Plant Manager 2019–2020

Led and assessed internal operations of a high-capacity plant with six production lines, catering to 20+ distinct clothing styles within a 12,500 sq. ft. facility. Conducted comprehensive needs analysis for each production line, strategically breaking down core objectives into actionable steps, and providing hands-on coaching and guidance during implementation. Supervised restructuring initiative, optimizing facility operations and transforming it into a efficient and well-organized system.

• Championed the establishment of cutting-edge communication and quality check protocols, fostering coordination and synergy among engineers, operators, compliance inspectors, and auditors.

• Directed transformative community engagement strategies, bridging communication divides between management and operators, thereby enhancing collaboration and cohesion within the organization.

• Leveraged exceptional financial stewardship by managing production costs within budgetary constraints while surpassing ambitious profit margin objectives for both Q3 and Q4. Product Development Manager 2018–2019

Nurtured and led highly innovative design thinking team within the product development department, assembling a cohesive group of engineers, sewers, pattern makers, inspectors, and warehouse staff. Headed a transition from a sole focus on military gear manufacturing to a diversified range of commercial fashion products, including the incorporation of firefighting gear, tactical gear, medical wearable, tech-wear, and trendy t-shirts.

• Headed the transformation of the customer intake and quoting process, incorporating product development into the company's ISO 9000 recertification process.

• Employed astute market insight and strategic acumen, driving the company's evolution to cater to a broader customer base while maintaining a strong foothold in the industry. Page 2 2

Auralistudio, San Juan, Puerto Rico 2018 – Present Principal

Direct all critical bottom-line factors, encompassing vision, strategy, and continuous business development efforts. Advice and guide factories on financial profitability, and client relations, leveraging extensive expertise in these areas. Create actionable roadmaps for local factories, enabling implementation of the ten principles of fair trade and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals into cooperative financial models. Deliver comprehensive courses in English and Spanish, educating stakeholders on the pathway to circularity for fashion products through the 7 Stages of the Circular Product Lifecycle.

• Proactively shaped and adapted internal governance practices and HR policies to support the daily operational needs of the business.

• Provided guidance to designers, manufacturers, and educators on the principles of circular fashion, fair trade, and the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on the Made in Puerto Rico and Made in USA markets. Rico Retazo L3C, San Juan, Puerto Rico 2017 – 2020 CEO

Fronted the creation of Puerto Rico's pioneering circular fashion platform, dedicated to embodying the ten fair trade principles and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development goals. Devised an innovative business strategy framework that cultivated a sustainable fashion ecosystem, encompassing a wide array of educational events, as well as product development and manufacturing services catering to the needs of over 4,000 creative professionals. Refined a set of best practices, resulting in enhanced quality, consistency, and operational synergy, ensuring efficient daily operations.

• Expanded federal government partnerships, scaling collaborations through strategic initiatives.

• Authored compelling proposals for government bids and research and development projects, integrating craft, technology, and local manufacturing expertise.

• Educated designers on essential aspects of quality control, fair trade standards, modular manufacturing, and sustainable practices, fostering an environment of excellence and responsibility.

• Designed and implemented a comprehensive training and compliance program, enabling profitable manufacturing of high- end ready-to-wear clothing for the Made in USA niche market in Puerto Rico. Auralis Inc. – New York – Puerto Rico 2009-2015

Owner & Designer,

Oversaw overall operational aspects, implementing a streamlined circular model to promote sustainability. Recruited and trained a skilled team, comprising both staff and interns, providing ongoing guidance, motivation, and performance assessments. Explored and identified potential new markets and collaboration opportunities aligned with the brand's vision. Promoted the sustainable fashion cause in New York City and Puerto Rico, resulting in significant press coverage and increased brand visibility.

• Conceptualized and launched a sustainable contemporary resort wear fashion brand during New York's Fashion Week, garnering considerable attention and recognition.

• Fostered meaningful collaborations with local artisans and designers in Puerto Rico, incorporating artisanal techniques into the collections, while preserving and celebrating traditional basketry techniques. Teaching Experience

Circular Product Lifecycle Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology, Enterprise Center, New York, NY 2013-2023 Design Sustainability Professor, Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA 2018-2019 Fashion Design Professor, Art Institute of New York, New York, NY 2017-2018 Global Marketing Professor, Baruch College, New York, NY 2017-2018 Accessory Industry and Product Development Professor, Parsons New School, New York, NY 2016-2017 Education

MA Supply Chain Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA B.F.A. Fashion Design Moore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, PA A.A. Textile Design Moore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, PA Certifications

NYDEC Design Entrepreneurs Certificate, Fashion Institute of Technology 2013 Awards & Grants

Coaching Fellow, The Coaching Fellowship, May 2022 Global Ambassador Award, Bank of America Vital Voices PR Chapter, Washington DC, 2019 Pre-18, Parralell 18 Entrepreneurship Grant, Puerto Rico, 2018

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