Esperanza Massana-Crane to lead AEDC Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise division

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has named Esperanza Massana-Crane as the new director of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE) Division, commission officials announced Thursday (Jan 28). Massana-Crane will replace Patricia Brown, who retired from the position in December 2020.

Massana-Crane currently serves as the director of marketing for AEDC. She previously worked to recruit businesses to Arkansas as a project manager within AEDC’s Business Development Division. She will assume her new role with the MWOBE Division on February 1, 2021.

“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. “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.”

The MWOBE Division within AEDC promotes the growth and sustainability of minority and women-owned businesses by providing technical and professional assistance, state vendor certification, and opportunities for networking and doing business with AEDC partners in state and federal government, higher education, lending institutions, and the private sector.

“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.”

Originally from El Salvador, Massana-Crane earned her bachelor’s degree and MBA degree from Harding University, where she also served as adjunct professor for international business. She speaks fluent Spanish and German, as well as intermediate French.