MPAC Welcomes the Nomination of Dilawar Syed for SBA Deputy Administrator

Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | June 7, 2023 — After almost two years of delays, Dilawar Syed’s nomination for Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) will come before the full Senate for consideration this Thursday. MPAC welcomes and stands in full support of Mr. Syed, who, if confirmed, will become the highest-ranking American Muslim in the Biden Administration.

We thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his support and Chairman Ben Cardin’s stewardship as his nomination advanced through the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 

Throughout his career, Syed has demonstrated a commitment to service, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. As President and CEO of AI healthcare company Lumirata, he led efforts to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes. He also previously chaired the White House Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders’ Economic Growth Committee under the Obama Administration. As well, Mr. Syed served as a liaison with the SBA and Department of Commerce.

His experience makes him exceptionally well-qualified for this position. However, opposition to his nomination was not based on his qualifications, rather it was rooted in bigotry and Islamophobia. 

We are hopeful that Mr. Syed’s confirmation will help the SBA meet the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country and serve as inspiration for the next generation of American Muslim leaders.