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 oversees the CTA’s DBE, Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Labor Compliance, and Workforce Initiatives Programs. He and his team are responsible for certifying DBE and SBE firms, connecting DBE & SBE firms with potential contracting and subcontracting opportunities, monitoring contracts totaling over $5 billion, and connecting individuals from economically disadvantaged areas with training and employment opportunities on CTA contracts, specifically with the building trades. Mr. Prieto demonstrates a passion for providing resources and tools to small businesses for growth and development and connecting job seekers with career opportunities. He serves as a Board Member for La Casa Norte, Latino Worker Safety Center, and the Spanish Coalition for Housing, where he is the Treasurer. Mr. Prieto holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University, is a Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Fellow from the class of 2020, and resides on the northwest side of Chicago with his family.