Esperanza Massana-Crane will be leading the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE) Division for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
Massana-Crane has been named the new director for the division, succeeding Patricia Brown, who retired in December 2020. Brown, who joined AEDC in 1975, served as the MWOBE division director from 2007 to 2020.
Massana-Crane will be taking on the new role starting Feb. 1, 2021. Currently, she serves as the AEDC’s director of marketing.
“In her various roles at AEDC over the past seven years, Esperanza has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and dedication to whatever task she has been given,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said in a statement. “We conducted a thorough search for the next person to fill this position, and we are confident that Esperanza’s diverse professional portfolio and experience will be an incredible asset to the state as she steps into her new role as director of the MWOBE Division. Pat Brown dedicated many years to improving the lives of Arkansans as director, and I have no doubt that Esperanza will continue to lead the division with excellence and demonstrate commitment to the business communities it serves. I look forward to seeing the MWOBE Division thrive under Esperanza’s leadership.”
In her new role, Massana-Crane will oversee the MWOBE division, which is charged with promoting growth of minority and women-owned businesses in Arkansas. The division provides technical and professional assistance, as well as opportunities for certifications and networking.
“My goal and passion in economic development is to create opportunities,” Massana-Crane said. “I look forward to elevating our women and minority-owned businesses and the significant role they play in our diverse economy. It is an honor and a privilege to follow in Pat Brown’s footsteps and build upon her legacy.”
Massana-Crane previously served as a project manager for AEDC’s Business Development Division. She served as an account executive and research manager at CJRW for seven years before joining AEDC.
The El Salvador native holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Harding University.
READ MORE: READ MORE: “Minority, Women-Owned Business Enterprise Helps Grow New, Existing Companies”