Aída Álvarez

Aída M. Álvarez (born 1950) is an American 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.

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.

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.

Journalist for the New York Post 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 news 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.

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.

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.

Personal life Alvarez is married to Raymond Baxter, a senior Vice President at Kaiser Permanente. They have two daughters.