•Most promising Engineer - Undergraduate degree•

Education:
-B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Minor in Economics — University of South Florida

Andres Garcia Parra is an emerging leader in engineering whose career reflects both technical mastery and a steadfast commitment to advancing innovation in consumer products. Currently serving as a Product Engineer at Kimberly-Clark, Mr. Garcia is entrusted with enhancing the performance, sustainability, and consumer value of the company’s iconic Kleenex® and Cottonelle® brands. In this role, he applies his expertise in process engineering and product development to improve quality, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure consistent market differentiation.

Mr. Garcia’s technical contributions span Kimberly-Clark’s Global Nonwovens and Professional divisions. As Lead Process Engineer, he oversaw the production of over 40 million pounds of diaper components annually — critical materials that ensured continuity for the company’s pivotal Huggies® brand worldwide. His leadership yielded over 18% in risk reduction across high-frequency process lines, while his development of advanced process models created pathways for additional yield improvements of up to 3%. At the same time, he spearheaded raw material commercialization trials projected to deliver $3–6 million in annual returns.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Garcia played a central role in Kimberly-Clark’s sustainability agenda, contributing to the company’s 2030 plastic reduction goals. His work included projects to decrease basis weight in filtration products, develop biodegradable polymers for wipers, and evaluate pro-degradant additives designed to decompose polypropylene without creating microplastics. He also collaborated across functions to execute production transfers, securing supply continuity for a $14 million business, and supported product launches that generated more than $15 million in incremental net sales.

Andres’s ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives is underscored by his Six Sigma Green Belt certification and advanced training in statistical problem-solving. These credentials have equipped him to tackle manufacturing challenges with data-driven precision, optimizing yields, minimizing customer complaints, and driving multimillion-dollar improvements. His consistent delivery of measurable business impact has positioned him as one of Kimberly-Clark’s top early-career engineering talents.

Andres Garcia’s journey began in Caracas, Venezuela, where his parents’ determination to secure a strong education for their children became a defining influence. After years of persistence, he gained admission to Colegio San Ignacio, a private Catholic school that laid the foundation for his academic success. In 2011, amid Venezuela’s economic and political turmoil, his family emigrated to the United States. Navigating the challenges of culture shock, language barriers, and the sacrifices of his parents, Mr. Garcia focused relentlessly on academics as a means of honoring their commitment.

His interest in STEM was sparked in high school through a sponsored research opportunity at the University of South Florida (USF), where he investigated wastewater nutrient recovery solutions to combat pollution in Florida communities. This formative experience solidified his pursuit of chemical engineering. 

Despite the hurdles of being an international student, Andres Garcia’s persistence led him to a fortuitous internship opportunity with Kimberly-Clark — a chance that opened the door to a career where he continues to thrive. Today, in addition to his technical impact, he gives back through mentorship, sponsorship of students to attend professional conferences, and volunteer work supporting Hispanic entrepreneurship and community development