Adrian Soto serves as Executive Director for Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC) where he has overall strategic, operational, management and regulatory responsibility for the organization. Soto develops and drives a local and inclusive economic development plan; manages appropriate City, County, State relationships and resource availability to support GSDC’s mission. Having grown up in Chicago Lawn, he has a personal stake in the future of the neighborhood and is committed to improving the quality of life for the greater Southwest community.

• (773) 362-3372
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Akilah McCord, Director of Operations & Program Impact for Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC), currently working towards a Doctoral in Organizational Leadership. Akilah has been working in Nonprofit leadership for over 15 years in a variety of capacities. Her focus has never wavered from working towards a more equitable reality in underserved communities. Akilah’s strategic prowess as well as experience works in tandem to ensure the quality implementation of GSDC’s mission and vision. Akilah brings a wealth of knowledge of impactful and data driven programs. Akilah works as a bridge builder and endeavors to foster the best possible results through the empowerment of community and building responsible leaders.

• 773-436-1000
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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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• 773-436-1000
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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 Director of HR & Compliance 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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• 773-735-6772
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Cynthia Grant is a Chicago native who studied business communication at Harold Washington College. She has over 20 years of experience in property management, she has spent most of her career in various roles in the property management industry, earning several certificates and having her Illinois leasing license. She has worked with various types of senior housing programs, (LIHTC) section 8,(DOH) project based, etc. Driven by her passion of working with seniors she developed many programs and activities including our Annual Senior Prom Dance that’s well received by the residents. Ms. Grant also works alongside city officials to enhance senior engagements within the community.

• (773) 925-0730
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Originally from the westside of Chicagoland, I earned my Sociology degree from Loyola University Chicago. I started my career in nonprofits, working with the unhoused community, then shifted gears into public workforce systems and community development. Now, I’m excited to be the Program Coordinator at Greater Southwest Development Corporation! I am immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to traverse the globe, exploring diverse cultures in places like China, Japan, Mexico, and Guatemala, enriching my understanding and fostering a deep sense of multicultural awareness and inclusion that I carry in my personal and professional work. I am a full time rabbit mother to my Holland Lop, Choco and my Dutchie Mix, Miffy.

• 773-922-6472
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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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Aimee Navarro, SBDC Director is a certified business advisor that brings extensive experience in business advising, community organization, and nonprofits to our team. Born and raised in Chicago, she is deeply passionate about mission-minded work, dedicated to strengthening economic development and fostering community growth to enhance the overall quality of life in underserved communities. Aimee’s drive stems from her profound commitment to utilizing her talents to support small businesses and effect positive change in the communities they serve.

• 773-922-6461
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Jose is one the longest staff members in GSDC. He has been working for the organization for 20 years. He takes care of the community each day!

• (773) 436-1000

• (773) 436-1000
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• (773-451-8994) ext 443
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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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