Junta Directiva

Ms. Gladys Torres Vera serves as a professor at the educational company Gef Group Corp., where she is also the founder and vice president. Her responsibility is to provide the International Food Safety Certification to business owners, managers, supervisors, and employees in charge of food service. Her greatest challenge in this field is educating the population to prevent poisoning and death caused by the consumption of contaminated food, as 48 million people in the U.S. each year contract foodborne illnesses.

Known in the food industry simply as Gladys, she has been growing the company she founded for 12 years. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, in the College of Agricultural Sciences for about 17 years. Some of her professional achievements include:

• • Director of the research project 4-H Route to Healthy Living in Action, focused on food consumption and physical activity among students in public and private schools in Puerto Rico. Research work: Healthy Living Youth Voice: Youth Choice study.

  • Member of the evaluation committee for cervical and breast cancer prevention models of the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Puerto Rico; facilitator and mentor for university students in the teaching practicum at UPR Río Piedras; and preceptor of nutrition students at the Medical Sciences Campus. She provided education in various subjects, training programs, conferences, workshops, camps, and activities to strengthen life skills among young people in order to help them become successful adults.

  • Served as president of the Professional Association of Extension for Family and Consumer Sciences, among other roles.

Currently, Professor Torres is President of the Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Network of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce. During 2015 and 2016, she chaired the Quality of Life Committee, impacting over 600 people through the forums The Impact of Communities on the Economic Development of Puerto Rico and Recover Your Economy: Effective Strategies for Managing Financial Challenges. In 2016, she was recognized with the President’s Award by José Vázquez Barquet for her outstanding performance. She has also been recognized by other public and private entities. Additionally, she actively participates in the scholarship committee and the Women Entrepreneurs Network committee.

Gladys holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Administration and Supervision (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Phoenix, Guaynabo Campus, Puerto Rico; and a Bachelor of Science in Extension (nutrition, health, and community resource development) from the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. She also holds certification from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals in Orlando, Florida, as Administrator and Trainer of the International Food Safety Certification; HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Certification; Advanced Medical Cannabis Certification from the Medical Foundation; and certification as a Zumba instructor.

On a personal level, Gladys is a nature lover, which she considers her best source of energy. She enjoys exercising daily to maintain her health. However, her greatest passion is spending time with her family and friends, as they are her source of love, energy, and peace.