Liliana's family arrived in Pilsen in the early 1970's, her grandfather taught carpentry at Casa Aztlán. Liliana cherishes the tight-knit, family-oriented feel that defined Pilsen. One of the things that attracted her to PIHCO was co-op members' long-term commitment to the community and each other.

“My family would be financially unable to own/stay in Pilsen without PIHCO’s collaborative process. I am inspired by Members' continued support of each other, and intentional and natural community building. PIHCO’s work aligns with my values of community, collaboration, and service."

Artist Hector Duarte is a co-founder of PIHCO and helped paint the co-op mural "Fight to Stay" on PIHCO's first building. Hector was drawn to Pilsen in 1978 by the murals being painted here. In 1985 he moved to the neighborhood to contribute to that tradition; his murals reflect Mexican culture and deal with issues like identity and borders. He's raised three children in Pilsen and Michoacan, Mexico.

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"Los mexicanos en Pilsen hemos creado un ambiente que refleja la vida de un pueblito con sabor mexicano. Debemos defenderlo, quedándonos aquí."

Karen Leon is a community-rooted entrepreneur and cultural advocate. She manages all aspects of a mariachi business in a traditionally male-dominated field, with a focus on talent development and event coordination. Karen also volunteers at local initiatives serving immigrant families, women, and youth, with a deep commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and cooperative values.

"I feel lucky to be one of PIHCO's founding families....I firmly believe that stable, safe housing is essential to optimize all aspects of our lives: emotional, financial and family. Having a stable place to call home ... in turn allows you to better contribute to your community, your art, your passions, and all your talents.”

Izayo is an interdisciplinary artist and cultural educator who shares Indigenous teachings through Aztec dance and martial arts. A lifelong resident of Pilsen, his family has been part of the neighborhood since the 1970s.

“My upbringing in Pilsen has deeply connected me to my cultural heritage. Co-founding an Indigenous Nahua community, working in environmental justice, and participating in an urban agriculture worker-owned cooperative have all deepened my commitment to community building. Service is the thread that weaves together my work, my community efforts, and my spiritual practice.”

As the original owner of PIHCO’s first building, Steve has been an essential part of PIHCO’s story. In 2020, after learning about the idea of the co-op from a neighbor, he found its affordable housing goals to be commendable and decided to sell his building to PIHCO. He has lived on the property for over 55 years, first as a tenant, then as a landlord, now as a co-owner.

“When I first got to Chicago after coming out of the service, the people living in this building welcomed me like family. I wanted to pass on that welcome to [other] residents of Pilsen, and keep the family atmosphere."​

Laura's life has been split between Chicago, Central America, and Seattle. A cultural anthropologist, she is interested in using storytelling and community histories to support cooperative development. She is married to artist Carlos Barberena; the two moved from Nicaragua in 2008. Since then, they have developed deep ties to people in Pilsen. 

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“PIHCO to us is a continuation of the community organizing that characterizes Pilsen and so many Chicago neighborhoods.”

Artist Gabriel Villa has lived in the neighborhood since 1997. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Gabriel immediately connected with the artists and families in no-frills, immigrant Pilsen. He’s worked as director of Yollocalli Arts Reach and has taught, exhibited, and created art projects across Chicago and beyond, with Pilsen as his base.

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“The co-op is just a natural progression for me. I want to do something to give back and put my money where my mouth is, and assist in people being able to stay here.”