Adrian Soto, actualmente es el  Director Ejecutivo de Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC), cargo donde tiene la responsabilidad general, estratégica, operativa, administrativa y regulatoria de la organización. Adrian desarrolla e impulsa un plan de desarrollo económico local e inclusivo; administra las relaciones apropiadas con la ciudad, el condado, el estado y la disponibilidad de recursos para apoyar la misión de GSDC. Habiendo crecido en Chicago Lawn, tiene un interés personal en el futuro de la comunidad y está comprometido a mejorar la calidad de vida de la gran comunidad del suroeste.

• (773) 362-3372
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Aimee Navarro, Directora de SBDC, es una asesora empresarial certificada que aporta a nuestro equipo una amplia experiencia en asesoramiento empresarial, organización comunitaria y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Nacida y criada en Chicago, le apasiona profundamente el trabajo con mentalidad misionera, dedicada a fortalecer el desarrollo económico y fomentar el crecimiento comunitario para mejorar la calidad de vida general en comunidades desatendidas. El impulso de Aimee surge de su profundo compromiso de utilizar sus talentos para apoyar a las pequeñas empresas y lograr cambios positivos en las comunidades a las que sirven.

• 773-922-6461
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Ash recently joined GSDC as the APEX Director, under management of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs, APEX plays a critical role to identify and help a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the defense supply-chain. Ash is very passionate about helping our program to provide support to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts, with focus on helping underserved businesses that are eligible for certain government solicitations designed for the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Ash holds a Master degree from Illinois institute of technology and is a well versed entrepreneur in various industries, with emphasis on procurement/ government contracting, business development research, and investment.  Ash in his free time enjoys being with family, running, cooking and cigars.

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James joined the work of GSDC in 2008 and has grown to be a member of executive team, managing 12 hard-working team members providing service to over 2000 small and medium sized businesses, and 1500 residents annually. James serves on local boards as well: Chicago’s Metropolitan Family Services Midway Advisory Board, Boitsov Classical Ballet Productions, United Business Alliance of Midway, and the Chicagoland Owners Land Trust.

• (773) 362-3373
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Cintia Torres joined GSDC as the new Accounts Payable Specialist. She comes with 3+ years of accounts payable experience. She graduated from Farragut Highschool located in Little Village; graduated in the top 10% of her class. She was aspiring to join CPD, & received her Associates in Criminal Justice. Fast forward 7 years, & two daughters later, she has recently just graduated from DeVry University with her certification in Medical Billing & Coding. She loves the mission that GSDC has & how much they help the community. She is very excited to be part of such a great team!

• 773.436.1000 ext 450
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Cynthia Diaz serves as the Human Resources & Compliance Manager where she is responsible for the full scope operations for the Human Resources Department. Cynthia brings years of experience as a Human Resources Professional in multiple industries including the nonprofit sector. She has worked alongside executive teams with the common goal of developing employees, empowering them to reach their highest potential, and motivating them to provide best-in-class services. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Roosevelt University.

• (773) 436-1000 ext 444
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• 773-735-6572
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Cynthia Grant es originaria de Chicago, estudió comunicación empresarial en el Colegio Harold Washington. Tiene más de 20 años de experiencia en   administración de propiedades. Obtuvo varios certificados, incluyendo la licencia de arrendamiento de Illinois. Ha trabajado con varios tipos de programas de vivienda para personas de la tercera edad, (LIHTC) sección 8, basados en proyectos (DOH), etc. Impulsada por su pasión de trabajar con personas de la tercera edad, desarrolló muchos programas y actividades, incluido nuestro Baile de graduación anual, diseñado para personas de la tercera edad; que por cierto fue bien recibido por los residentes. La Sra. Grant también trabaja junto con los funcionarios de la ciudad para aumentar la participación de las personas mayores dentro de la comunidad.

• (773) 925-0730
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Jim works for Greater Southwest Development Corporation as their Director of Industrial Development. Before joining GSDC, he was a digital marketing consultant and a marketing/sales solo-prenuer helping businesses to position themselves to tell their story and increase sales. In his consulting practice with clients, he saw first-hand how necessary it is for communities and businesses to work together. Jim originally grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago near Pulaski and 63rd Street and is excited to be back to assist the area in continuing to grow and be a place where the community can thrive. If he’s not working or talking to business owners, you may see him at community meetings, sharpening his photography skills, on the running trails listening to music or just having a cup of coffee at the local shop.

• 773.362.3376
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José Navarrete es uno de los miembros más antiguos del personal de GSDC. Lleva 20 años trabajando para la organización. Verifica que los jardines de GSDC se mantengan verdes y limpios. ¡Él se ocupa de la comunidad todos los días!

• (773) 436-1000

• (773-451-8994) ext 443
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• (773) 436-1000
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• 773-362-3406 ext. 437
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Born in Mexico, Zabdi was raised by entrepreneurial women. These experiences helped Zabdi understand entrepreneurship as a tool that can create financial freedom and social capital. As an immigrant, Zabdi observed their Spanish-speaking mother start and grow a business, which allowed for them to establish a life in the USA. After taking some business classes at 1871 and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Zabdi has supported businesses with start-up strategy, financial literacy, and license and permit acquisition. At GSDC, Zabdi is the Business Incubation & Support Director, and they manage the Business Academy, the CBC Program and the Pop-Up Program.

• 773-735-6729
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