Kanika “K.A.” Perkins is currently the Deputy Director of the All Small Mentor Protégé Program for the US Small Business Administration. Housed in Washington DC, she leads a tiny but mighty team of application and continuing eligibility Analysts for one of SBA’s newest programs, now in its third year of existence. K.A. oversees the operations of the program – ensuring that every decision we make is in the best interest of building the small business’ capacity, whether it’s through business development or contracting.

Before joining ASMPP in July of 2019, K.A. was a Business Management Specialist with SBA in Washington DC. She served as a subject matter expert in 8(a) regulations and federal procurement, and worked directly with 8(a) firms, federal agencies, and SBA District Offices to resolve federal contracting actions that are in the best interest of 8(a) firms she serves and the 8(a) portfolio.

K.A. comes to Washington DC from Kansas City, MO by way of San Antonio, TX. In San Antonio, K.A. was a Business Opportunity Specialist with the SBA’s San Antonio District Office. There, she managed, advised, and advocated for a portfolio of more than 30 8(a) contractors with a vast variety of expertise throughout their nine years in the 8(a) Business Development program. She also promoted SBA’s programs heavily, through conducting numerous training and outreach opportunities touting the agency’s small business certification programs.

K.A. brings to the SBA nearly seven years of federal procurement experience as a Contract Specialist specializing in construction, architecture-engineer, and construction management contracts. Prior to entering the federal sector, K.A. has worked in numerous industries including, real estate, non-profit, and education.

Always passionate about education, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature with the minor in Spanish from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master of Arts degree in Marketing from Webster University.