Maria Contreras-Sweet, the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet, took part in a series of meetings in Guadalajara this week.
She participated in a round table discussion with young entrepreneurs at the new Innovation and Design Center (MIND) next to Expo Guadalajara, before holding talks with Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval and members of his administration. Much of the conversation centered on innovative ways to promote small businesses and the opportunities for forging new bilateral relationships.
Contreras-Sweet’s visit to Guadalajara was of special significance to her. Born in this city in 1955, she emigrated with her parents to Los Angeles at the age of five. After working in the private sector founding an equity firm, and in public service as the California Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing, Contreras-Sweet was nominated by Obama to head the SBA in January 2014.