Natalie Madeira Cofield made history because the highest-ranking Black woman within the Biden Administration when last 12 months, she was named because the assistant administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership, a division throughout the Small Business Administration.

Just ahead of Women’s Equality Day, she announced she’s exiting the role to concentrate on supporting female founders like herself to succeed in their fullest potential.

Madeira Cofield was pivotal in leading the SBA’s $100 million Community Navigator Pilot Program, which is aimed toward supporting underrepresented groups tap into governmental financial assistance, contract procurement and marketing. This system was an extension of the American Rescue Plan, an act that was endorsed by Biden last March.

“My profession has been coloured by my passion and my commitment to advocacy and repair, in addition to my experience as a national champion for ladies entrepreneurs,” she said in a 2021 Forbes interview shortly after her appointment was announced.

“As a seasoned entrepreneur who grew a business from start-up to million-dollar revenues, I understand firsthand the challenges of starting and scaling a small business. Because the founder and former CEO of a national women’s platform, Walkers Legacy, I do know the challenges of funding and providing ongoing and aligned educational support, training, and community for enterprising women.  And, as a former Chamber CEO, I understand the challenges of navigating the intersections of private and non-private sectors to attain economic outcomes.”

With a storied entrepreneurial background, she reportedly brought a wealth of knowledge to the White House role, and has been credited for growing the SBA’s footprint while being on the helm. Her appointment was a signal of Biden’s vow to enhance racial equity within the US upon taking office in January 2021.

Ron Busby, chief executive officer of the US Black Chambers Inc., spoke highly of Madeira Cofield and highlighted her pivotal role in supporting Biden’s efforts. “It was critical for us to work with the administration to alter the policies,” Busby said. “Natalie was very involved in that.”

Bloomberg reported that Madeira Cofield has laid plans to support “the variety of Black women starting a business.”

Her team on the White House noted she was instrumental in moving the needle on actions that positively impacted underrepresented groups. “Her tireless efforts during her tenure have allowed the Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the U.S. Small Business Administration to make remarkable strides in uplifting women leaders,” Tene Dolphin, executive director of the National Women’s Business Council said in a press release.