|
THANK YOU
TO OUR AMAZING COMMITTEE!
 MARIA
CONTRERAS-SWEET
Ms. Contreras-Sweet is the
Founding Chairwoman of Promerica
Bank, the first Latino owned
business bank in California in
over 30 years. The Bank serves
small to mid-sized businesses
with a focus on the Latino
business community. Promerica
Bank represents the “Promise of
America”. By providing
businesses with access to
capital, Promerica Bank
encourages the building and
sustaining of business and
family wealth for a stronger
economy.
Ms. Contreras-Sweet’s commitment
to community is also
demonstrated in her government
service. Ms. Contreras-Sweet
served as the Secretary of
Business, Transportation and
Housing Agency for the State of
California, managing a $14
million budget. As Cabinet
Secretary, she oversaw the
Department of Financial
Institutions, the Department of
Corporations, the Department of
Real Estate, Managed Health Care,
the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans), the
Department of Motor Vehicles and
the California Highway Patrol.
Known as a strong housing
advocate, she led the
implementation of Proposition
46, a $2.1 billion housing fund,
stimulating the state’s economy.
While in office, Ms. Contreras-Sweet
chaired The Infrastructure
Commission which published
“Invest for California:
Strategic Planning for
California’s Future Prosperity
and Quality of Life”. This
project set forth the 8
essential building blocks for a
strong economy. This project has
aided law makers in strategic
economic planning for the last 5
years and continues to be used
today. The project looks at the
integration of land, access and
transportation, housing,
business licensing, public
facilities, energy, air quality,
water and public financing. Ms.
Contreras-Sweet oversaw the
design and construction of the
Caltrans District 7 Headquarters.
This building is monumental is
design and size, covering an
entire block in downtown Los
Angeles. The building is an
architectural work of art and
beauty. This project transformed
the image of a typical
government building. “Its
glistening metal skin and
hulking form evoke the
relentless faith in the future -
in social mobility, individual
freedom, eternal youth - that
made Los Angeles one of the most
radical urban inventions in
American history.” (New York
Times, December 8, 2004).
Ms. Contreras-Sweet was a
founding board member of the
California Endowment. The
California Endowment is a $3
billion private, statewide
health foundation whose mission
is to expand access to
affordable, quality health care
for underserved individuals and
communities. The Endowment also
strives to promote fundamental
improvements in the health
status of all Californians.
Ms. Contreras-Sweets civic
service includes the founding of
multiple organizations designed
to meet the needs of communities.
Ms. Contreras-Sweet founded
Hispanas Organized for Political
Equality (H.O.P.E) which is
committed to ensuring political
and economic parity for Latinas
through leadership, advocacy,
and education to benefit all
communities ant the status of
women.
Ms. Contreras-Sweet continues to
serve on the board of numerous
organizations. She is a member
of the Women’s Leadership Board
at the John F. Kennedy School of
Government at Harvard University
and the International Women’s
Forum. Ms. Contreras-Sweet is an
active member of the Hispanic
Advisory Board for PepsiCo and
Frito-Lay Company and the
Executive Committee of the Los
Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Her
participation in these boards
allows her to affect policy and
to promote a prosperous tomorrow
for our communities.
Ms. Contreras-Sweet is steadfast
in her commitment to the growth
and transformation of
communities. Her exemplary
success as a community leader is
demonstrated via Civic
Contributions, Business
Leadership and Government
Service. These forums allow her
to actively participate in the
practical and policy changes
that affect our communities
thereby promoting growth and a
healthy economy. She endeavors
to promote the necessary changes
in our economy to take our
communities into a bright and
prosperous future. |
