More than a decade after leaving the University of the Ozarks campus, alumna Yosi Delgado ’12 is helping shape the strategies behind some of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands across Latin America. From Tylenol to Neutrogena, the business decisions she helps guide now influence millions of shoppers throughout the region—a career trajectory she says began taking shape during her time at Ozarks.
A former Walton Scholar who graduated with top honors in business management and marketing, Delgado has built a successful career in Mexico as a strategic commercial leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. She is currently serving as a category vision and shopper understanding LATAM manager for Kenvue, the global consumer health company formerly part of Johnson & Johnson that manages brands such as Tylenol, Neutrogena, and Aveeno.
In her role, Delgado leads regional category growth strategies across Latin America, transforming deep consumer insights into actionable business plans that help global brands grow and compete in diverse markets.
“Essentially, I bridge the gap between regional vision and local retail execution to maximize the market share of our brands,” she said.
Since graduating from Ozarks, Delgado has built more than a decade of experience in the global consumer goods industry, holding key positions with multinational companies including Nestlé, Bayer, and Kenvue, where she has worked for the past nine years.
“I have specialized in driving growth through category development, shopper insights, and trade marketing,” she said. “Throughout these years, my focus has been on translating deep consumer understanding into actionable strategies that accelerate brand performance across the retail industry.”
Delgado, whose husband is Alan Saltijeral, said what she enjoys most about her job is “the opportunity to connect with people from different countries and understand the cultural nuances of how markets operate.”
“Interestingly, this passion for multicultural connection was born at Ozarks,” she said. “Being part of such a diverse community allowed me to meet friends from all over the world, and I absolutely loved that experience because it opened my eyes to the beauty of different perspectives. Today, I’ve turned that curiosity into my career.”
She called her time at Ozarks “a transformative experience that shaped who I am today.”
“It was a life-changing opportunity that marked a before and after in my journey,” she said. “Professionally, it provided the foundation to open major career doors and incredible opportunities I never imagined. But more importantly, on a personal level, it enriched my character and opened my mind and my spirit, helping me grow into a better version of myself. I wouldn’t be the professional or the person I am today without my time at Ozarks. Choosing a favorite memory is nearly impossible because my years at Ozarks were a collection of beautiful experiences. I fondly remember my walks around the campus, the engaging classroom environment, the vibrant energy of the university activities, the fun trips we took; but mostly the simple, everyday moments shared with my life-lasting friends.”
When Delgado was awarded the Walton Scholarship to study at Ozarks, she said she had no idea the impact it would have on her life.
“Receiving the Walton Scholarship was, without a doubt, the most significant, life-changing opportunity that redefined my future,” she said. “It was a true blessing and a gift from God that transformed my world in ways that words can’t fully capture. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Walton family for the legacy started in 1985 by Sam and Helen Walton; their generosity and commitment to education is truly visionary and has opened doors for many students across Mexico and Central America for decades. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Rickey Casey, the Walton program director at the time. He was the first person who truly believed in my potential, and he gave me the greatest and most wonderful opportunity of my career and life. I will always be grateful for the trust he placed in me and all his unconditional support during this amazing experience. Being a Walton Scholar is a badge of honor I carry with pride and, as we say, Once a Walton, always a Walton.”
Delgado said her time at Ozarks was shaped by people such as her professors; her host parents, John and Julia Frost; and friends, Mike and Fran Smith.
“God’s plans for my life have been more wonderful than I could have ever imagined,” she said, “My journey at Ozarks was definitively a collective blessing, so I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Ozarks community, which truly felt like a big family from day one; it became my home away from home … Each of them played a vital role in my journey. I am a proud Ozarks alumna, and I am excited to see where God’s plan continues to lead me, always carrying these cherished memories in my heart.”
Topics: Alumni Stories