Pilar Rengifo - Founder The Choclo. Prospera Fellow 2023-2025:
Channel: Prospera
Date: 2023-05-15

Meet Pilar Rengifo Prospera’s Entrepreneur Fellow and The Choclo. 

Pilar Rengifo, born in Bogota, Colombia, began her journey towards entrepreneurship after completing her degree in Marketing and Advertising, followed by a postgraduate degree in business in her home country. In 1999, Pilar relocated to the United States with her husband and two children, settling in California. Initially, she found work as a babysitter to support her family.

In 2001, Pilar joined the Palo Alto Unified School District as a school bus driver for special needs children, where she has dedicated the last 20 years of her professional life.

Despite her successful career as a school bus driver, Pilar faced health problems due to a lack of gluten-free, nutritious food options. As a result, she decided to channel her spare time between 9-11 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. into a gluten-free and Colombian cheese bread baked goods venture.

In 2016, Pilar launched her business with a name that pays homage to the Quechua Indians of South America. She aptly named her business “The Choclo” as a tribute to the way in which the Quechua people refer to corn. Pilar’s commitment to creating a product that is accessible and appealing to a wide range of customers is evident in the name she chose for her business. Pilar also recognizes that without God’s help, The Choclo would not have been possible. She is grateful to God for the opportunity to pursue her dreams and for the blessings that have allowed her to turn her passion into a successful business.

In 2019, Pilar’s project was recognized as one of the top three Latina women’s projects. She participated in a boot camp sponsored by Univision, Televisa, and Eva Longoria, further fueling her entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2022, Prospera selected Pilar to participate in their Acompaña (Accompany) program. Through this program, she receives invaluable support, advice, and tools to grow The Choclo.

By February 2023, Pilar’s hard work and dedication paid off, as she was selected to participate in Prospera’s prestigious Fellowship program. This opportunity provides Pilar with the guidance and expertise needed to take The Choclo to the next level, including expanding her business from her home to a traditional storefront and launching an industry of Colombian products.

Ultimately, Pilar’s goal is to create a cooperative that will assist Colombian migrants in establishing their businesses.