For thirteen years, I lived the experience of leading a public company through the unpredictability of globalization and the depths of a great recession. The lessons learned in that role – sound judgment, effective leadership, and clear vision – are all skills we expect our next president to exhibit.
I have switched from the corporate world to work for what I deeply believe in: entrepreneurship and women's opportunity. As CEO of Grameen America, I fight every day to empower tens of thousands of low-income women entrepreneurs around this country.
Having seen our economy from both vantage points, I believe that Hillary Clinton is the unique candidate with the values, perspective, and wherewithal to lead our economy.
For the millions struggling in our country, entrepreneurship represents an opportunity to generate income, support a family, and climb up the economic ladder. But there are far too many barriers that make turning this dream into a reality nearly impossible.
Women and minority small business owners struggle to gain access to formal capital markets and get the licensing they need to open up shop. It is unacceptable that it takes longer to start a business in the U.S. than it does in most other developed countries.
As Hillary Clinton says, far too many entrepreneurs' dreams die in the parking lots of banks. She recognizes that enabling entrepreneurship is a key part of job creation and national economic growth. That's why she has made small businesses a priority and put forth an agenda that gets to the heart of what each and every entrepreneur needs.
She has committed to spend $25 billion to boost women- and minority-owned small businesses, an investment that will more than pay for itself in the long run. She has also put forth commonsense proposals that will make it easier for small business owners to access capital, build their credit, get the required licensing, and receive crucial mentoring and training.
This November, we are faced with two vastly divergent visions for the future of our country. I know that when I step foot into the voting booth, I won't be simply choosing Democrat or Republican. My ballot will go to the only candidate that has a proven track record of supporting women and the small businesses that our economy depends on.
Hillary Clinton has demonstrated the experience and commitment to ensuring that our economic recovery remains strong and America can continue to lead well into the 21st century.