By: Ashmar Mandou
PNCC Executive Director Juan F. Soto discusses Fiesta del Sol matters with Senior Vice President and General Manager of Univision Carlos San Jose and the rest of his team.
Deeply rooted in community activism, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC) arose in 1954 out of a need to address social issues affecting immigrants, mostly Eastern Europeans at that time. With the arrival of immigrants from Mexico in later decades, PNCC became viewed as the beacon for civil rights issues and one of the strongest proponents in the realms of education, healthcare, immigration reform, and community wellness. At the helm of PNCC is Executive Director Juan F. Soto who believes everyone has it in them to become leaders in their own community. “I would say that is one of the best part’s of my job,” said Soto. “To witness the confidence that comes with community organizing. Pilsen residents walk through our doors to participate in our training program and to seem them transform and become community leaders is truly amazing and inspiring.”
Soto meets with representatives from Hoy newspaper to kick around ideas on how to make Fiesta del Sol larger than last year.
We kick-off our new section, “A Day in the Life,” by highlighting Juan F. Soto who has worked with PNCC since the age of 22. So it is safe to say PNCC has become his bloodline. Our new section hopes to give you, our reader, a glimpse into the lives of interesting individuals around this grand city who devote their time to improving the quality of life for thousands of families. This month we take a look at what Soto’s typical day looks like while planning for the highly anticipated Fiesta del Sol this year.
Community organizer Carlos Pinedo kicks ideas around with Soto over upcoming projects.
