Isabel Acevedo
Manager of Tech-Based Economic Development
Isabel is the Manager of Tech-Based Economic Development at BioSTL. She leads initiatives that ensure the inclusive and equitable growth of the region’s innovation economy. She oversees programs that foster collaboration among stakeholders in research, commercialization, workforce development, and economic advancement to create meaningful regional and global impact.
With over 17 years of experience spanning research, commercialization, fundraising, community engagement, and ecosystem building, Isabel has played a pivotal role in advancing St. Louis as a thriving hub for bioscience and technology innovation. Prior to joining BioSTL, Isabel was the Manager of Community Innovation at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where she helped launch initiatives such as IGNITE, a climate-focused event series; CultivarSTL, a program that connects St. Louis with Latin American agtech innovation ecosystems; and Climate Innovation Day, an event spotlighting the St. Louis region as a leader in sustainable agricultural and climate solutions. As a member of the Corporate and Foundation Relations team, she secured over $4 million in funding to support education and scientific innovation.
Before her roles at the Danforth Center, Isabel worked as an intellectual property and technology transfer professional at TreMonti Consulting and Washington University in St. Louis. She managed portfolios of early-stage technologies, secured and negotiated licensing deals, and supported the creation and growth of startups.
Isabel’s dedication to the St. Louis region extends to her community work. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for earthday365 and the External Advisory Board for Biomedical Engineering at Washington University.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Isabel is fluent in Spanish and is committed to fostering cross-cultural connections. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University. Isabel lives in St. Louis City with her husband and three children.