Sandra Mazo

Sandra Mazo is a seasoned and purpose-driven professional with over 30 years of lending experience and a deep commitment to advancing economic and social equity. She currently serves as the Deputy Commerce Director for the City of Pawtucket, where she leads critical initiatives focused on business development, nonprofit support, and community resilience.

In her role, Sandra continues to be instrumental in shaping Pawtucket’s economic future—spearheading projects that are poised to transform the local economy. She also leads the “52 in 52” Initiative, a year-long campaign celebrating Pawtucket’s vibrant small business community. Each week throughout 2025, the City will spotlight a different business across its platforms, helping them reach new customers and partners while highlighting the strength, diversity, and perseverance of local entrepreneurs.

Sandra also played a key role in administering two major American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded programs:

• As a leader in the Community Impact & Education Grants, she oversaw the allocation of $1.5 million to 20 nonprofit organizations in Pawtucket. These grants support essential community programs in education, training, employment, health, and safety—especially those serving residents most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Sandra’s leadership, this initiative has expanded services, strengthened organizational capacity, and enhanced equity and resilience in Pawtucket’s most vulnerable communities.
• She also headed the Small Business Relief Grant Program, which provided direct financial assistance to local businesses navigating post-pandemic challenges. Eligible businesses that experienced a revenue decline between 2019 and 2022 received grants of up to $20,000, awarded on a rolling basis. The program reinforced Pawtucket’s commitment to the resilience and vitality of its small business sector.

Prior to her work in city government, Sandra built a distinguished career in banking as a Mortgage Loan Officer with The Washington Trust Company, Rhode Island Housing, and Bank of America. She helped hundreds of families achieve homeownership, using her expertise and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish to build trust and deliver personalized support—particularly within immigrant and first-generation communities.

Sandra was born in Medellín, Colombia and moved to the United States at age three. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Providence College and has always remained closely connected to the community that welcomed her family. Her deep belief in public service extends beyond her professional work. She was an active member within organizations including the Greater Providence Board of Realtors, Kent Washington Association of Realtors, NAHREP Providence, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence, Professional Women in Building, and a current member the DEI Committee of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.

In recognition of her extraordinary service and advocacy, Sandra was honored with the 2024 Affiliate Member of the Year Award by the Greater Providence Board of Realtors. As the first-ever recipient of this award, she was recognized for her longstanding affiliate membership, her involvement with the Housing Opportunities and DEI Committees and Task Force, and her significant contributions across the state. Her dedication and commitment truly exemplify the spirit of the award.

She also serves as an Advisory Committee Member for Women United, United Way of Rhode Island and was recently appointed Vice Chair of the Women United Global Leadership Council, where she contributes to strategies that empower women and families around the world.

Sandra’s career reflects her values: equity, opportunity, resilience, and service. Whether she is supporting small businesses, allocating transformative grants, or leading regional initiatives, her work continues to create lasting impact in Pawtucket and beyond.