U.S. Treasurer Jovita Carranza (far right) on
Fourth Grade School, Chicago, IL.
for me, so why would I not do more. A
person that feels that they’ve done it all
in a particular field are really selling
themselves short.”
Carranza served on corporate and
non-for-profit boards, but going into
politics happened by accident as one of
her mentors advised her to send her
resume to all of her contacts. When
Carranza showed him a list of names to
whom the resume was sent, he noticed
she did not have any federal government
contacts, so he insisted she dig deep
and think of someone. So, she did.
She recalls meeting a gentleman who
visited the UPS facility in Louisville, KY
where she worked as Vice President of
Air Operations. She sent over her resume
not knowing he would take it over to
the President’s Personnel Office for
consideration. And that is how her political
career began. Carranza went on to serve as
the Deputy Administrator for the U.S.
Small Business Administration from
December 2006 to January 2009.
“That is why when I speak to the youth I
always tell them don’t ever underestimate
the value of a resume,” she says. The
impressive background motivated the
President’s personnel office to call.
“They said, ‘We are impressed with
your background and we have a need in
these particular areas, would you be
interested?” she says. “I said of course.”
I am giving back to the non-for-profits,
of course I would like to serve the
President.” Giving back is another lesson
learned early in life from an uncle who
served in the military.
Capitalizing on her talent and innate
skills, Carranza continues to approach
life in a unique way. “I didn’t always
make the right decisions but I never let
those poor decisions over rule what
needed to get done moving forward,” she
shares. “I thought if I could make it out
of this situation—having an opportunity
to acquire leadership and managerial
skills; receiving on-the-job training—I
would be able to finance higher education
for myself; secure better caretakers and
schools for my daughter—this is the
American dream—what I strived to achieve,
not looking back! Everything I thought I
should accomplish and everything I
dreamed that I wanted to be, was not
only about me, but for my whole family.”
Known as a smart proven businesswoman
with a drive to serve the country,
Jennifer Sevilla-Korn, Special Assistant
to the President and Deputy Director for
the White House Office of Public Liaison
believes Carranza’s legacy will be one of
helping Secretary Mnuchin communicate
and advance the President’s policies for
the betterment of the country and all
Americans, whether it be on tax reform,
financial literacy or ensuring Americans
have real access to capital to grow
their businesses.
“Politics is not easy and while I have
been doing this for 20 years, the long
hours and stress can be tough,” Sevilla-Korn
states. “Jovita is someone I could call
for advice and talk through strategies.
She is a great listener and gives
thoughtful advice. As a fellow Latina of
faith, we have prayed together and that
always makes a difference. In the world
of politics, it is hard to find someone
who is smart, loyal, humble and discreet.
Jovita is all of these things.”
Not only is Carranza an inspiration,
mentor and friend to Latinas such as
Sevilla-Korn, she is also a respected voice
among the new administration.
“I cannot think of any one more
qualified and suited to serve as the U.S.
Treasurer than Jovita Carranza,” shares
Linda McMahon, administrator of the
Small Business Administration. “Jovita is
an inspiration to all women, and especially
our young Latinas who can look to her
strong leadership as an example that all of
us can follow. I am proud to call Treasurer
Carranza my friend, and I look forward
to continuing to work with her as we
move the nation forward under President
Trump’s leadership.”
Moving at an accelerated pace for the
past 30 years, Carranza continues to
keep that pace. “I carry the responsibility
of speaking to all Americans regarding
our shared values of liberty, individualism,
and charity, and prosperity which allow
this great country to thrive,” Carranza
shares. “To be nominated by this new
administration to foster economic growth,
and promote prosperity and stability not
only for this generation but for generations
to come is a privilege and honor.” LS
Want to comment or have any questions on
this article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
Jennifer Sevilla-Korn, Special Assistant
to the President and Deputy Director for
the White House Ofce of Public Liaison
and U.S. Treasurer Jovita Carranza.
LATINAStyle Vol. 24, No. 1, 2018 www.latinastyle.com 29
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