Yolanda McLean is Senior Director of Quality Business Operations & Planning at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, the first company to bring RNAi therapeutics to market. In her role, she helps shape the future of RNAi medicines through quality risk management and organizational strategy, with a focus on patient safety and empowering teams to do their best work.
Yolanda’s career has been anything but linear. Inspired by a love of the ocean, she earned a degree in Ocean Studies before making the leap into biotechnology. What began at the lab bench evolved into leadership roles, including heading a global Quality Control organization, and ultimately into her current strategic position. She believes that saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities has been the key to her growth.
Passionate about mentoring and workforce development, Yolanda volunteers with STEM education initiatives and life sciences apprenticeship programs. She is dedicated to creating pathways for the next generation of innovators and fostering inclusive workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to take bold steps in their own winding career journeys.