Speakers

JuanPablo Prieto, the proud son of Colombian immigrants, currently serves as the Director of Diversity Programs and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison Officer for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).  He is a native Chicagoan and a proud Chicago Public Schools graduate.

Mr. Prieto joined the CTA in 2014 and, since 2018, oversees the CTA’s DBE, Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Labor Compliance, and Workforce Initiatives Programs. He and his team are responsible for certifying DBE & SBE firms, connecting DBE & SBE firms with potential contracting and subcontracting opportunities, monitoring contracts totaling over $9 billion to ensure compliance with CTA’s goals, and connecting dislocated and disadvantaged workers, union apprentices, and individuals from economically disadvantaged areas (EDAs) with training and employment opportunities on CTA contracts. JuanPablo demonstrates a passion for providing resources and tools to small businesses for growth and development and connecting job seekers with career opportunities. Based on his and his team’s efforts, since 2018, DBEs have been awarded over $949 million and residents of EDA have earned over $51 million in wages.

Mr. Prieto serves as a Board Member for La Casa Norte, Latino Worker Safety Center, and the Spanish Coalition for Housing, where he is the Board Treasurer. He was recognized by Negocios Now 2018 40 Under 40 and awarded the 2020 Diversity Award from the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), the Construction Industry Conference 2023 Vanguard Award, the 2024 B2Gnow Advocate Award, included in Negocios Now 2024 & 2025 Who’s Who Chicago Hispanic Power, and Mass Transit 2025 40 Under 40.

Mr. Prieto holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from DePaul University and is an alum of the CTA’s 2019 Leadership Development Program, the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation’s 2020 Leadership Academy, the 2023 Metropolitan Leadership Institute Next Generation, and the University of Chicago’s 2024 Civic Leadership Academy. JuanPablo resides on the northwest side of Chicago with his wife, three children, and dog.