Aída Álvarez

Aída Álvarez
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 66–67) Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Radcliffe College

Aída M. Álvarez (born 1950) is a Puerto Rican businesswoman and politician. She is the first Latina woman to hold a United States Cabinet-level position, as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, during Bill Clinton's presidency.

Alvarez was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico into a family of modest economical 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.

Álvarez applied and was accepted at Radcliffe College where in 1971 she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude. During her student years many people provided her with support.

Álvarez began her career as a journalist for the New York Post and won a "Front Page Award". She later became a news reporter and anchor for Metromedia Television (Channel Five) also in New York. In 1982, she won an Associated Press Award for Excellence and she was nominated for an Emmy Award for her reporting of guerilla activities in El Salvador.

Álvarez ventured into the banking business by becoming an investment banker at the First Boston Corporation and at Bear Stearns. As a public servant, she spent two years at the NYC Health and Hospitals Corp. She was also a commissioner on the New York City Charter Revision Commission and a member of the Mayor's (NYC) Committee on Appointments. On June 1993, Álvarez was named Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. She created a financial safety and soundness oversight program for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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