Passion for Quality Medicines to Change the Future
Ana Potenciano Orgaz joined Moderna in 2021, bringing her pharmacy background and a passion for innovation to a company at the forefront of mRNA technology. Today, as Associate Director, Drug Product Quality Engineering, Ana leads ambitious global projects essential to delivering impactful medicines to patients worldwide.
Her role is as demanding as it is rewarding. Ana’s team oversees the introduction of new products into commercial manufacturing sites across countries like Canada, South Africa, Spain and the UK, — a task that requires technical precision, regulatory expertise and relentless problem-solving. “We oversee not only the technical aspects of quality, but also help define strategies and ensure regulatory compliance,” she explains.
From the launch of Moderna’s first pre-filled syringe for COVID-19 vaccines, to scaling up production for other vaccines, Ana’s team contributions have helped to support Moderna’s success. These accomplishments didn’t come easily.
Reflecting on the challenges she has faced, Ana notes, “We had to invent new ways of doing things and find solutions to challenges we’d never faced before. It was very challenging, but we did it.” Her words highlight the creativity, perseverance and teamwork that are essential to thriving in her role.
Capturing the Changemaker Spirit
When asked to define what being a changemaker means to her, Ana summed it up simply: “Passion for quality medicines to change the future.” This phrase speaks to both her dedication and the personal connection she feels to her work.
For Ana, each day brings new challenges and opportunities. Her team navigates uncharted territory, often tackling complex problems. “Every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow and get familiar with new concepts,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in her role.
The introduction of the first pre-filled syringes to a contract manufacturing organization site in Spain in 2022 was one of Ana’s most challenging yet rewarding projects. The initiative required her to balance creative problem-solving with ensuring the highest standards of quality, all while working under a demanding timeline. For Ana, this experience is a testament to the resilience needed to bring innovation to life at Moderna.
A Family-Like Team
Despite the intense pace of work, Ana finds strength in the camaraderie of the Madrid office. For her, the sense of community is vital to managing the demands of her role. “We are like a big family,” she says, emphasizing the closeness and mutual support among her colleagues.
Ana explains that this family-like culture extends across teams and departments, creating an environment where collaboration thrives. “The Madrid team isn’t just focused on supporting the local contract manufacturing organizations; we also have the MadridLab (Moderna’s largest international center for analytical excellence), commercial and medical teams, and people working on projects far beyond Spain. Yet, there’s always a sense of connection,” she shares.
As Ana’s role grew, this sense of connection expanded across borders. Now leading a worldwide team with direct reports from the U.S., Spain and Italy, Ana sees this spirit of collaboration extending across time zones and geographies. “Even though we are miles apart, we operate as one cohesive team,” she shares. “The bonds we’ve built make it possible to stay aligned and support one another, no matter the distance.”
The strong bonds are reinforced by daily interactions, from problem-solving to simply lending a helping hand. “There’s always someone willing to help,” Ana notes, highlighting how approachable and supportive her colleagues are. In fact, this spirit of connection is so central to their dynamic that their team chat is affectionately called “Spain Family,” reminding everyone of the camaraderie they share, even amid high-pressure work.
Ana envisions a future where mRNA technology could potentially unlock personalized treatments, creating tailored medicines for each patient’s unique needs—a dream that excites her as she works to make it a reality. She recognizes that achieving these milestones will demand the same resilience, determination and passion for quality that have guided her and her team thus far. With grit and openness to what’s next, Ana exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker at Moderna, proving how perseverance and teamwork can transform ambitious goals into reality.
Learn more about how you can join Ana and other changemakers at Moderna by visiting our careers page.