The entrepreneurial spirit created by our bold trendsetters has made Arkansas a hub of international commerce and is launching a new generation of dealmakers. Through a statewide network of partners and targeted tax incentive programs, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is committed to empowering start-ups and visionaries with open collaboration, unparalleled resources, beneficial policies, and a willingness to get things done.
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AEDC Names Esperanza Massana-Crane Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) is excited to announce Esperanza Massana-Crane as the new director of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE) Division.
Little Rock, Ark. (January 28, 2021) – 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 today. 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 such 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.”
Prior to her time at AEDC, Massana-Crane spent seven years as an account executive and research manager at CJRW. She also served as assistant to the general manager of Nine West Group in El Salvador, where she was responsible for product merchandising and oversight of marketing activities for six Nine West stores across five different countries in Central America.
Driven by her commitment to education and community involvement, Massana-Crane currently serves on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and is a member of the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. She is a graduate of the Greater Little Rock Class XXX and Leadership Arkansas Class XII. In 2018, Massana-Crane was recognized in Arkansas Business’ “40 Under 40” list.
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. She lives in Little Rock with her husband Christopher, son Sebastián, and their three furry rescue pets.
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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 such 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.”
Prior to her time at AEDC, Massana-Crane spent seven years as an account executive and research manager at CJRW. She also served as assistant to the general manager of Nine West Group in El Salvador, where she was responsible for product merchandising and oversight of marketing activities for six Nine West stores across five different countries in Central America.
Driven by her commitment to education and community involvement, Massana-Crane currently serves on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and is a member of the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. She is a graduate of the Greater Little Rock Class XXX and Leadership Arkansas Class XII. In 2018, Massana-Crane was recognized in Arkansas Business’ “40 Under 40” list.
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. She lives in Little Rock with her husband Christopher, son Sebastián, and their three furry rescue pets.
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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.
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