Through July 4, The Post, in partnership with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, is sharing reflections from U.S. citizens on what the American dream means to them in 2026. Among those featured is Maria Contreras-Sweet, the former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
I was born in Guadalajara, in the Mexican state of Jalisco. My grandmother, Emelia, was a remarkable woman who believed deeply in the power of saying “yes.” Throughout my life and career, I have carried her lesson with me: say yes to opportunities to help others. She believed that when you lift people up and bring them along, that goodness finds its way back to you.
I came to the United States when I was 5 years old, unable to speak a word of English. One of the things that stayed with me as I was growing up was that I never saw stories about a little Latina girl from Mexico achieving great things. That narrative simply wasn’t visible. So I helped create an organization called HOPE — Hispanas Organized for Political Equality — which today supports women across the country as they step into leadership roles.
My interest in public service began with a desire to work for my local state senator. From there, I continued to build my career, eventually joining a major corporation to represent its government affairs interests. Later, I served as California’s secretary of education, went on to start a bank and was ultimately asked by President Barack Obama to join his Cabinet as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
EXCLUSIVE: Karmelo Anthony Says He Is Broke as Parents’ Business Records Face Scrutiny
My commitment to small businesses comes from understanding how vital they are to the American economy. When someone starts a business, they are helping to grow the middle class. And when the middle class expands, democracy is strengthened. It creates people who can become decision-makers, community leaders and forces for change.
When I think back to my grandmother’s wisdom, I remember that she was a migrant worker who used to say that if you worked hard and helped others along the way, perhaps one day you could work in an office and become a secretary. The good Lord heard her — and gave me the chance to hold office and serve as a Cabinet secretary. To me, that is the American dream.
The American Dream Video Project highlights real stories that reveal different paths to opportunity. Featured at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), the series is part of the Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. MCAAD, Washington, D.C.’s newest cultural institution, offers interactive exhibits and personal stories centered on pursuing and achieving the American dream. For more information, visit mcaad.org.
