As Regional Administrator, Sandra C. Cano oversees SBA programs,offices, and operations in the SBA’s New England region, servingConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,and Vermont. Sandra C. Cano is a respected public servant dedicated to advancingeconomic development, championing small business growth and promoting diversity andequity. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal understanding of theentrepreneurial journey, having built her own small business and navigated the challengesfaced by many entrepreneurs.She joins the SBA after serving as the Director of Commerce for the City of Pawtucket, RhodeIsland, where she developed innovative marketing strategies to attract businesses, built vitalcommunity-based partnerships, and crafted policies to make Pawtucket a thriving hub forcommerce and development. In 2018, Sandra was elected to the Rhode Island Senate where she served three terms. Duringher tenure, she championed policies that promoted economic equity, enhanced education,and supported small businesses. Sandra also brings significant experience from the financialsector, where she served as Assistant Vice President of Business and Community Developmentat Navigant Credit Union. There, she played a key role in expanding financial educationinitiatives and developing targeted outreach to underserved communities, and fostereconomic empowerment. Born in Medellín, Colombia, Sandra emigrated to the United States in 2000. Her journey fromimmigrant to public servant and small business advocate underscores her commitment tothe values of hard work, resilience, and opportunity. Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science inManagement and Economics from Bryant University, a Master’s in Public Administration fromthe University of Rhode Island, and executive leadership certifications from the HarvardKennedy School. Sandra lives in Pawtucket with her partner James, their Daughter Ariannaand Son Alessandro. Sandra is the first Latina to be appointed as Regional Administrator for SBA New England.