Camalia Valdés facts for kids

Camalia Valdés is a well-known business leader from Puerto Rico. She was the president and CEO of Cerveceria India, Inc., which is Puerto Rico's largest brewery. She led the company for 15 years. Camalia Valdés was born on October 14, 1972.

Early Life and Education

Camalia Valdés was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her family has a strong connection to the business world.

Family Business Roots

Her grandfather, Alfonso Valdés Cobián, was a very successful leader. In 1937, he and his brothers, Sabino and Ramón Valdés, started Cerveceria India, Inc. This company, also known as Indian Brewery, was founded in the city of Mayagüez. Under her grandfather's leadership, the company grew to become Puerto Rico's biggest beer brewery. It also made many canned and bottled soft drinks. When her grandfather passed away in 1988, her grandmother, Grace Valdes, took over the company.

Growing Up Around Business

As a child, Camalia often visited the company's factory. She spent a lot of time there, learning about how things worked. This early experience likely sparked her interest in business.

Her Path to Law

Camalia Valdés went to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1994, she earned a degree in liberal arts, with a special focus on legal studies. She then continued her law studies at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In 1998, she earned her Juris Doctor degree, which is a professional law degree.

Leading Cerveceria India

After finishing her law studies, Camalia Valdés worked as a lawyer for a short time. Soon after, she joined her family's company, Cerveceria India.

Improving Operations

She started as the manager of operations. In this role, she brought in new ways of making products. She also worked to improve the company's factories and buildings. Her efforts helped make the production process better and more efficient.

Becoming President

In 2002, Camalia Valdés was named the president of Cerveceria India. Under her leadership, the company saw great success. "Malta India," a popular malt drink, became the top-selling malt beverage in Puerto Rico. Sales of "Medalla Light," one of the company's beer brands, also increased significantly. Cerveceria India continued to be Puerto Rico's largest beer brewery and a major producer of soft drinks.

Expanding the Company's Reach

Camalia Valdés had a big goal: to grow the company's share of the local market and to successfully sell its products in other countries. She led a large investment of $24 million to expand the company's manufacturing facilities. This expansion aimed to increase production by 60%. The renovations were completed in 2008. Thanks to these updates, Cerveceria India became one of the most technologically advanced breweries in Latin America.

Personal Life and Community Support

Camalia Valdés lives in San Juan with her husband, Craig T. Hylwa. She is known for supporting important causes.

Supporting Education and Art

Camalia Valdés is a sponsor of projects that help education. She believes in promoting new ideas and ways of thinking. She also supports the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, helping to make art accessible to more people.

See Also

• List of Puerto Ricans
• Cerveceria India
• History of women in Puerto Rico