Aida Álvarez
Aida Álvarez | |
|---|---|
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| 20th Administrator of the Small Business Administration | |
| In office March 7, 1997 – January 19, 2001 | |
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Philip Lader |
| Succeeded by | Hector Barreto |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1950 (age 73–74) Aguadilla, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Radcliffe College (BA) |
Aída M. Álvarez (born 1950) is a Puerto Rican businesswoman, journalist, and politician. She previously served as the 20th Administrator of the Small Business Administration under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party, Álvarez was the first Hispanic and Latino American woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet.[1]
Early years
Alvarez was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, into a family of modest economic means who, despite their hardships, always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. After she received her primary education in Puerto Rico, her family moved to New York City in hopes of improving their economic situation. In New York, she attended high school and participated in a program called "ASPIRA". "ASPIRA" was founded by Dr. Antonia Pantoja and has helped disadvantaged children, especially girls, gain the leadership skills and knowledge required to go to college.[2]
Álvarez applied and was accepted at Radcliffe College of Harvard University, where in 1971 she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude. During her student years, many people provided her with support.[3]
Journalist for the New York Post
Álvarez began her career as a
Álvarez ventured into the banking business by becoming an investment banker at the
Small Business Administration
In 1997, Álvarez was appointed by Bill Clinton to become the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, thus becoming the first Hispanic woman and Puerto Rican to serve as an executive officer in the U.S. Cabinet. She directed the delivery of a comprehensive set of financial and business development programs for American small businesses. The agency provided financing worth eleven billion dollars a year to small businesses across the nation.[4]
In 2000, Álvarez was elected to the Board of Overseers of Harvard University. Her role is to visit the graduate schools, departments, and museums of the university to ensure that the university remains true to its Charter as a place of learning. She also serves on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Coalition for Supportive Housing, and the Board of Trustees of the Latino Community Foundation.[2]
During the
Álvarez has been featured in many magazines, among them "Latina Style", and is featured in the book "Hard Won Wisdom" by Fawn Gerner, where she is quoted as saying:
"I first learned about leadership when I fought back after a female gang leader tried to bully me."[5]
In August 2019, Álvarez was appointed to the Board of Directors of the software company Fastly. She replaced Gil Penchina as a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board and as the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.[6]
Personal life
Alvarez is married to Raymond Baxter, a senior Vice President at Kaiser Permanente. They have two daughters.[7]
See also
References
- ^ "Biography: Aida Alvarez". 1997-2001.state.gov. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ a b c d e Gale Cengage learning Archived December 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Aida Alvarez". latinocf.org. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
- ^ "Aida Alvarez, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration". University of Michigan News. April 24, 2007.
- ISBN 978-0-399-52711-1
- ^ "Fastly Welcomes Aida Álvarez to its Board of Directors". MarketWatch. 2019-08-08. Retrieved 2020-01-21.[permanent dead link]
- ^ [1] Archived 2013-06-13 at the Wayback Machine Walmart 1% Profile of Aida Alvarez
External links
- LittleSis profile
- Walmart 1% Profile Archived 2013-06-13 at the Wayback Machine
- Appearances on C-SPAN
# denotes acting administrator |  | |