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Episode 3: Maria Contreras-Sweet – Latina Power

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Host: Marco A. Davis, CHCI President and CEO
Guest: Maria Contreras-Sweet, Former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (2014-2017)

The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet, former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Obama and highly successful business executive, joins Marco Davis on “Here to Lead” to discuss the state of Latino economic advancement and how we can inspire Latinas across America to confront gender stereotypes and lead an empowered life for themselves and their community.

The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet is an American businesswoman, banker and civic leader who served on President Obama’s cabinet as the 24th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The U.S. SBA provides business owners with capital through governmentbacked loan guarantees, a complex international counseling network, and by directing to them 23% of the federal procurement spend. The SBA manages the world’s largest fund of funds and the largest seed fund in the world. Her achievements in bringing efficiencies and modernization to large scale organizations have earned her international acclaim.

Secretary Contreras-Sweet was the Founder and executive chairwoman of ProAmérica Bank. Prior, she managed a private equity firm and earlier served as the California cabinet Secretary of Business, Transportation, and Housing overseeing over 47,000 employees.

Dr. Contreras-Sweet is the recipient of five honorary doctorate degrees, including from her alma mater Cal State University, Los Angeles and Tufts University. The Maria Contreras Sweet Global Policy Impact Award was established in her honor for her efforts to expand entrepreneurship around the world and deepen democracies.

Administrator Contreras-Sweet is currently serving on the Boards of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) and Regional Management Corporation (NYSE: RM), The Bipartisan Policy Institute, The Aspen Institute Benefits Advisory Board and the World Affairs Council TownHall Board.

Maria Contreras
Maria Contreras