For seven years, Pilar worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist after receiving her MS and MPH degrees from the University of Illinois. Desiring to have a more hands-on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Pilar on a journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s “190 North” and HGTV. She also launched Gele Day, an annual celebration of Healing for women of color and non-profit organization, and the Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM). Through Ancient indigenous artforms and healing practices, WYBM assists women of the community in their journey. By facilitating safe spaces for women to share their experiences, learn and build, WYBM empowers women to take what they learn back to their families, with an emphasis on training their own children. Pilar is also an Arts Vendor for Chicago Public Schools, a community healer and associate director at Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation.