When one asks Pilar how she sees herself within the context of the community, she will immediately respond, “I am a Mother, a Sister, a Healer. I am a soldier on the front lines who creates safe spaces for my people to heal and grow.” As a Veteran of the United States Navy where she served as an Operations Specialist, her love of details and process, systems and strategy led her to the social service aspect of the human/health sciences.
For seven years Pilar worked for the Chicago Department of Public health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Pilar on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove Soap in the international “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of Healing for women of color, which led to the launching of Pilar’s non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM). Now in its 10th Year, WYBM is committed to unearthing the most innovative and creative ways to address the current state of violence in Chicago and is committed to addressing the many forms of trauma that adversely impact the south and west sides of Chicago – especially as a result of the pandemic.
Through Ancient indigenous artforms and healing practices, WYBM assists the women of the community in their journey to better engaging their children and their men. By facilitating safe spaces for Black people to share experiences, learn and build, healing takes place in the most profound way. WYBM empowers Black people to take what they learn back to their respective families, with an emphasis on training their own children.
Pilar is also a former Arts Vendor for Chicago Public Schools, a 2021 Chicago Peace Fellow and Associate Director at Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Greater Chicago (TRHT).
To learn more about Pilar Audain:
Facebook: TRinigyal Pilar Audain
IG: Pilar Sango Queen
To learn more about TRHT:
www.transformchi.com
To learn more about Wrap Your Beyouty Movement:
www.pilarsplanet.com