Priscilla Prado

Priscilla Prado is a Democratic politician and member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 9th Assembly district. Born on November 7, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, she has built a career as an accountant and business owner before entering the political arena. Currently serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Prado's election reflects her commitment to her community and her focus on issues relevant to her constituents.

Early life and career

Priscilla Ann Prado, originally named Priscilla Ann Martinez, was born in Los Angeles and spent her formative years in California. Growing up in a large urban environment, she experienced the diverse cultural landscape that characterizes Los Angeles. Her educational journey began in this city, where she completed her primary and secondary education. Following her high school graduation, Prado relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, seeking new opportunities and a different lifestyle.

In Milwaukee, she pursued higher education at Milwaukee Area Technical College, where she laid the groundwork for her future career in business and accounting. She later transferred to Alverno College, a private Catholic women's institution known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and leadership development. Here, she earned her bachelor's degree in business administration, equipping her with the skills necessary for her professional endeavors.

Prado's career in accounting began in earnest in 2011 when she joined Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a prominent accounting firm with a significant presence in Milwaukee. Her role at the firm allowed her to gain valuable experience in financial services, contributing to her professional growth. Following her tenure at the firm, she took on the position of director of administrative services for three Catholic parishes in Milwaukee. This role not only honed her administrative skills but also deepened her connection to the local community through her work with these religious institutions.

In addition to her work in parishes, Prado served as a staff accountant for Monster.com, a global online employment service. During her time there, she recognized a gap in services for Spanish-speaking small business owners in the Milwaukee area. This realization prompted her to engage in tax preparation services tailored to this demographic, which ultimately led to her becoming co-owner of Ambas Financial Services LLC in 2017. This venture allowed her to provide essential financial services to a community that often faced barriers in accessing such resources.

In 2019, Prado took a significant step by establishing her own accounting business, Midwest Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions. This venture has since become her primary occupation, allowing her to further serve her clients and contribute to the local economy. Her background in accounting and business ownership has provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in underserved communities.

Legislative service

Priscilla Prado's entry into politics was marked by her candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2024. This opportunity arose following the election of state representative Marisabel Cabrera to a Wisconsin circuit court judgeship, which necessitated Cabrera's resignation from her Assembly seat. Recognizing the importance of representation for her district, Prado announced her intention to run as a Democrat for the 9th Assembly district, which encompasses a significant portion of the southwest side of Milwaukee. This district is notable for having a majority-Hispanic electorate, making representation critical for the community's interests.

Prado's campaign was competitive, as she faced a primary election against Deisy España, a 21-year-old student from Milwaukee Area Technical College. España garnered support from various progressive organizations, including the Wisconsin Working Families Party and Voces de la Frontera, as well as endorsements from progressive lawmakers. In contrast, Prado received backing from institutional organizations such as the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215 and the Milwaukee Police Association, along with support from Hispanic state representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez.

In the primary election, Prado emerged victorious, securing a significant majority of the votes cast. Her success in the primary set the stage for the general election, where she faced perennial Republican candidate Ryan Antczak. Prado's campaign focused on issues pertinent to her constituents, and her background in accounting and business provided her with insights into the economic challenges faced by the community. Following a successful general election campaign, she was sworn in as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly on January 6, 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Priscilla Prado represents the 9th Assembly district, which is characterized by its diverse population and majority-Hispanic electorate. This demographic composition informs her policy priorities and legislative focus. Prado's background as an accountant and business owner positions her to advocate for economic development, small business support, and fiscal responsibility within the state.

Prado's work in the Assembly is likely to reflect her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Given her experience in tax preparation and financial services, she may prioritize legislation that supports small businesses, enhances access to financial resources, and promotes economic growth in her district.

Additionally, as a representative of a majority-Hispanic district, Prado's legislative agenda may include efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for underserved communities. Her personal experiences and professional background may guide her in advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that the voices of her constituents are heard in the legislative process.

Prado's current status as a serving member of the Wisconsin State Assembly reflects her ongoing commitment to public service and community engagement. Her journey from an accountant and business owner to a state legislator illustrates her dedication to making a positive impact in her district and advocating for the needs of her constituents. As she continues her legislative service, her focus on economic development, education, and healthcare will likely shape the future of her community in Milwaukee and beyond.