Lucy Pérez
In this new episode of Season 4 of A LA LATINA, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome the amazing Lucy Pérez—a visionary leader shaping the future of health equity and economic mobility in the U.S. and beyond.
As a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, Lucy leads the McKinsey Health Institute and co-leads the Institute for Economic Mobility, while also serving on multiple nonprofit and industry boards. Her work bridges science, business, and social impact—making her one of the most influential Latina voices in global consulting today.
Lucy’s path wasn’t linear—and that’s what makes it so powerful. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she dreamed of becoming a doctor until a fear of blood pushed her to pivot. That pivot led her to Harvard, where she earned her PhD in organic chemistry, and later to McKinsey, where she’s spent the past 18 years driving transformative work at the intersection of research, strategy, and equity.
From presenting health policy insights at the White House to building data-driven cases for investing in Latino entrepreneurship, Lucy shares her playbook for leading with purpose—and for asking the right questions along the way.
Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:
Ask for what you need – No one is a mind reader, but many people genuinely want to help. Speak up.
Sponsors may not look like you – Some of Lucy’s most impactful mentors weren’t Latina—but they helped her grow, stretch, and lead.
Use data to open doors – Lucy shows how evidence can change minds, shift policy, and build a better future for all.
