Yvett Merino Flores

Yvett Merino Flores is an Academy Award-winning film producer and creative executive at Walt Disney Animation Studios, recognized for producing the animated feature "Encanto." Merino Flores has contributed to a range of Disney Animation projects, working across production management, visual effects, and stereoscopic 3D. She has played a key role in guiding several of the studio’s successful animated films from early development through final delivery. Her work on "Encanto," a musical centered on the Madrigal family, established her as a producer dedicated to authentic storytelling and inclusive representation in animation.

Throughout her career at Disney Animation, Merino Flores has been part of the teams behind titles such as "Big Hero 6," "Moana," and "Ralph Breaks the Internet." She is known for her collaborative leadership and understanding of both creative and technical aspects of feature animation. Merino Flores coordinates large, multi-disciplinary teams, manages complex production schedules, and supports the artistic vision of directors and writers while fostering a productive environment for artists. Her expertise in animation production and leadership has contributed to the success of numerous animated films.

The success of "Encanto" brought Merino Flores industry recognition, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and positioned her as one of the first Latina producers to receive this honor for an animated film of this scale. She has spoken publicly about the importance of diverse voices in animation, the responsibility of depicting Latin American culture accurately, and the collaborative process of working with songwriters, composers, and cultural consultants. Merino Flores is an effective communicator, able to explain the complexities of animated filmmaking to a wide audience.

Merino Flores has addressed the challenges of building a career in a competitive and historically underrepresented field. She has discussed navigating an industry with few leaders who shared her background, and how mentorship, persistence, and advocacy for inclusion supported her advancement. These experiences inform her efforts to support emerging talent, particularly from communities with limited access to animation careers. Her advocacy for representation and opportunity, combined with her creative achievements, positions her as a leading producer and voice for inclusion in animation.

Merino Flores continues to contribute to Disney Animation projects and development initiatives, applying her producing expertise to stories that aim to resonate globally while honoring specific cultural perspectives. Whether discussing the production pipeline for "Encanto" or the evolution of animated storytelling, she offers a practical perspective shaped by years at a major animation studio. Her record of delivering award-winning films and her public commentary on culture, creativity, and inclusion establish her as an authoritative figure in the animation industry.