Victoria Lopez

As Manager of Strategic Partnerships at ZANN, Victoria leads the firm’s innovative Building Small Businesses program for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Her perspective is rooted in both her upbringing and education. Raised in a family of builders in one of three Latino families in her small Wisconsin hometown, she later earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where fewer than 8% of students identify as Latino.

These experiences exposed her to inequality firsthand, a reality underscored by Wisconsin’s ranking as the nation’s worst state for racial disparities. However, they drive her work with Building Small Businesses, where she connects emerging entrepreneurs with targeted coaching, financial tools, and access to procurement opportunities with the CTA. To date, the program has secured $19.8 million in loans for small businesses.

Beyond her work with ZANN and the CTA, Victoria is committed to civic engagement and expanding access to economic pathways. She contributed her expertise to the Illinois Tollway’s Diversity Advisory Council and the City of Chicago’s Government Procurement Contracting Forum, where she helped shape strategies to create entry points for small and diverse businesses. Her civic involvement also extends to national stages, volunteering with the 2024 Democratic National Convention and supporting the Hispanic Caucus. Across these roles, Victoria demonstrates a consistent dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that underrepresented voices are included and empowered.

Outside of work, Victoria is an avid athlete. After she closes her laptop, Victoria enjoys playing pickup soccer, weightlifting with her friends, and going on long walks with her dog, Charlotte.