The Honorable Jovita Carranza, a trailblazing leader born into an underserved Chicago community, served as the 26th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a member of President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet. As Administrator, she championed America’s 30 million small businesses, leading a dedicated team to provide entrepreneurs with critical resources to start, grow, and succeed across all stages of their journey. Her leadership, deeply informed by her roots, drove innovative solutions that empowered economic resilience in underserved communities.
Prior to her SBA role, Carranza served as Treasurer of the United States under President Trump, advising Secretary Steven Mnuchin on fostering financial capability and economic inclusion. And commissioned by the President to serve on the Women’s Suffrage Commission commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the US. She held the position of SBA Deputy Administrator under President George W. Bush, earning bipartisan, unanimous U.S. Senate confirmation. Her 30-year career at United Parcel Service (UPS) saw her rise from a part-time night-shift box handler to President of Latin America and Caribbean operations, becoming the highest-ranking Latina in UPS history. At UPS, she delivered transformative solutions by leveraging diverse perspectives in complex corporate and cultural environments.
Currently, Carranza serves on the Board of Advisors for the Economic Opportunity Coalition, advocating for inclusive economic growth, Board of Directors, Co-Chair on the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation, and as a trustee for Alverno Women’s College, supporting women’s education and leadership. She holds an MBA from the University of Miami and has completed executive training at INSEAD Business School in Paris, Michigan State University, and the University of Chicago. Carranza’s lifelong commitment to empowering communities through informed innovation continues to inspire and deliver impactful solutions.