Aida Alvarez

Aida Alvarez has had a successful career as a journalist, investment banker and public servant. She was the first Latino woman to hold a U.S. cabinet-level position as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during Bill Clinton's presidency. Alvarez entered the Clinton administration as the first director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. She also has more than a decade of experience in corporate finance, working as a vice president of Public Finance for both Bear Stearns and First Boston. Prior to this, she served as vice president Public Affairs of the New York City Health and Hospitals. Alvarez began her career as a reporter for the New York Post. She previously served on boards including Walmart, PacifiCare (United Health), MUFG Union Bank and the Diversity Advisory Board for Deloitte & Touche. She currently serves on the board of K12 Inc. and Oportun Financial Corporation, chairs the Latino Community Foundation of San Francisco, serves on the board of the San Francisco Symphony and is a commissioner for the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College, and honorary doctorates from Bethany College, Iona College, Mercy College and the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.