In June 2003, Perez managed to defend her title at the U.S. Outdoor Championships with an upgraded personal best of , moving her up to the top 20 in the world and securing her a spot on the U.S. track and field team for the World Championships and Pan American Games. Two months later, Perez did not reach the final round of the women's triple jump at the IAAF World Championships in Paris, France, but redeemed her strength to capture the silver medal at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic with a jump of 13.99 metres.