Zoila joined Western Growers in September 2025, where she supports data quality initiatives and works to standardize large datasets from GreenLink. She is particularly interested in how structured, reliable data can strengthen safety systems and enable risk- and evidence-based decision-making. As an up-and-coming professional in the fresh produce industry, Zoila is eager to learn as much as she can and help improve food safety in the field.
Originally from El Salvador, Zoila moved to Honduras at age 17 to attend Zamorano University, where she earned her degree in Food Science and Technology. During her senior year, she completed an internship at Auburn University in Alabama, contributing to research on water quality, cold plasma and the use of essential oils as natural antimicrobials. That experience deepened her understanding of applied food safety research and exposed her to the evolving landscape of produce safety in the United States.
Coming from El Salvador, where food safety is still developing as a distinct career path, Zoila became increasingly interested in advancing preventive, science-based approaches to fresh produce safety. After completing her undergraduate degree, she returned to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in food science, seeking a broader systems-level understanding of how agricultural practices influence produce safety.
Her academic journey led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Horticulture, where she continued to focus on water quality in soil-based and soilless systems. Specifically, she studied the prevalence of Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli in surface waters of the Southeastern region. Additionally, she researched the persistence of Salmonella within hydroponic systems. During her doctoral studies, she interned with the International Fresh Produce Association, helping develop Spanish-language Listeria management training resources for the produce industry. Additionally, Zoila has been involved in delivering Produce Safety Trainings in both Spanish and English with the Produce Safety Alliance, where she always enjoys connecting with and learning from industry partners.
At Western Growers, Zoila serves as a Data Analyst and Research Associate, continuing to build on this foundation by ensuring high-quality data supports safer produce systems and enhances decision-making across the industry.