Laura Gutierrez

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Director of Small Business and Community Development, Office of the Comptroller of Maryland

Laura Gutierrez, director of small business and community development at the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, has dedicated her career to fostering equity, inclusion and empowerment in organizations and communities throughout Maryland.

Born in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gutierrez’s commitment to social justice was instilled by her community activist parents. This foundation led her to pursue a diverse career path, including roles in Argentina’s Ministry of Social Development and various positions focused on community development and immigrant rights in the United States.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gutierrez spearheaded the Take Care/Cuidate Annapolis program, which mobilized a team to support low-income communities. The initiative’s success garnered state and national attention.

“When I assumed my role, the Capital Gazette reported alarming COVID rates among Latinos. By the end of the pandemic, we had stabilized infection rates in the Latino community, a testament to our commitment and effective efforts,” Gutierrez said.

In her current role, Gutierrez prioritizes fostering relationships, facilitating communication and leading initiatives to enhance the economic well-being of small businesses and communities statewide. She also founded and chairs the Mid-Atlantic Latino Vaccine Equity Coalition, which has since evolved into the Latino Health Equity Alliance.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.