Speakers

JuanPablo Prieto, the proud son of Colombian immigrants and a lifelong Chicagoan, serves as the Director of Diversity Programs and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison Officer for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). A Chicago Public Schools graduate who has relied on CTA since his high school years, he brings both professional expertise and personal connection to his leadership in advancing opportunity through public transit.

Mr. Prieto joined CTA in 2014 and, since 2018, has overseen the Authority’s DBE, Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Labor Compliance, and Workforce Initiatives Programs. In this role, he and his team certify DBE and SBE firms, connect them with contracting and subcontracting opportunities, and monitor more than $9 billion in contracts to ensure compliance with CTA’s inclusion and participation goals. His portfolio also includes workforce development initiatives that connect dislocated and disadvantaged workers, union apprentices, and residents of economically disadvantaged areas (EDAs) with training and employment opportunities on CTA contracts.

His leadership has produced measurable and lasting impacts. Since 2018, DBE firms have been awarded more than $949 million on CTA contracts, and residents of EDAs have earned over $51 million in wages. A passionate advocate for economic mobility, Mr. Prieto is committed to equipping small businesses with resources for growth and creating pathways for job seekers to enter and advance in careers.

Beyond his work at CTA, Mr. Prieto is deeply engaged in community leadership. He serves on the boards of La Casa Norte, the Latino Worker Safety Center, and the Spanish Coalition for Housing, where he holds the role of Treasurer. His service reflects his dedication to expanding access to housing, safety, and opportunity across Chicago’s diverse communities.

Mr. Prieto’s leadership and advocacy have been recognized by numerous organizations. His honors include:

• Negocios Now 40 Under 40 (2018)
• Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) Diversity Award (2020)
• Construction Industry Conference Vanguard Award (2023)
• B2Gnow Advocate Award (2024)
• Negocios Now Who’s Who Chicago Hispanic Power (2024 & 2025)
• Mass Transit 40 Under 40 (2025)
• Black Contractors Owners Executives (BCOE) Advocacy Award (2025)

These recognitions underscore his influence as a leader who advances equity, strengthens small businesses, and champions inclusive workforce opportunities.

Mr. Prieto holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from DePaul University. He is also a graduate of several distinguished leadership programs, including the CTA’s Leadership Development Program (2019), the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Leadership Academy (2020), the Metropolitan Leadership Institute Next Generation (2023), and the University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy (2024).

A lifelong resident of Chicago, Mr. Prieto continues to live on the city’s northwest side with his wife, three children, and their family dog.