Meet Annie Pecoraro Owner of Le Village Cowork Lakeview

We’re so excited to welcome Annie to the Le Village family as the owner of our brand-new Lakeview location, opening at the beginning of June! Get to know Annie, her story, and why she’s bringing this unique coworking and childcare model to the heart of one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

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Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your career and how you got started on that journey?

Annie: I grew up in the western suburbs, went to college in Ohio, and have lived in Chicago for nearly 20 years. My career started in market research and consumer insights—like a lot of people, I got into it through a personal connection, but I stayed because I genuinely loved the work.

At its core, market research is about understanding behavior—figuring out why people make the decisions they do—and using that information to improve products, services, and experiences. I’ve always been drawn to the storytelling side of data: taking something complex and turning it into insights that help people solve real problems. That mindset—analyzing, interpreting, and then acting with purpose—has shaped how I approach work, and now, how I think about parenthood, too.

How did becoming a mother impact or change your career path? (And if you’re comfortable, tell us a bit about why you decided to start a Le Village!)

Annie: Becoming a mom shifted everything for me. I’d always imagined I’d be a working parent—I’ve built a career I care deeply about, and I’ve always found a lot of fulfillment in what I do. But like so many women, I entered motherhood at a moment of unexpected career transition. I had just lost what I thought was my dream job, and I was navigating pregnancy while trying to figure out what came next.

It’s a scenario a lot of women find themselves in—right as you’re preparing to welcome a child, your professional identity feels uncertain. As I searched for my next step, I started questioning what I really wanted those early months of parenthood to look like. I’d waited so long to become a mom—was I really ready to step into a brand-new job and leave my daughter just weeks after she was born?

That’s when I found Le Village. It felt like someone had finally created the kind of solution working parents have been needing for years. A space where both parts of my identity—mother and professional—could coexist without being in constant conflict. Where I could stay engaged in my work, connected to my child, and surrounded by a community of other parents navigating the same experience.

Bringing that to Lakeview felt incredibly personal. I didn’t just want this for myself—I wanted to help build it for every parent asking the same questions I had: How do I make this work? And does it really have to feel this hard?

Why do you believe Le Village is important for working parents in your community?

Annie: Le Village is what modern working parenthood should look like. It’s a model that creates space for both career and caregiving—without forcing parents to sacrifice one for the other.

In Lakeview, there are so many professionals raising young families, but not enough infrastructure to truly support them. Traditional daycares and rigid work environments weren’t designed for today’s parents. What we need is flexibility, community, and proximity—and Le Village offers all of that in one place.

It’s not just convenient—it’s transformative. It allows parents to work meaningfully, stay physically close to their children, and connect with a like-minded community that makes the journey feel a little lighter.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge working mothers face today?

Annie: Guilt and isolation. Guilt because no matter what you do, it feels like something is slipping through the cracks—whether it’s work, parenting, or your own well-being. And isolation because so much of what we go through as parents happens behind closed doors.

Even when you're surrounded by people, it can still feel like no one really sees what you're carrying. Social media doesn’t help—it sets impossible standards, and we internalize the idea that if we’re struggling, we must be doing it wrong. It’s exhausting.

What do you think would make the greatest impact in helping overcome that challenge?

Annie: We need spaces that reduce the mental load—not add to it. That’s what makes Le Village so different. It’s not one more thing to plan—it’s built into your day. The coworking, the childcare, the community—it’s all under one roof, and it happens naturally. That alone is a huge relief for working parents.

And beyond that, we need honest conversations. The more we speak openly about the challenges we face—and what we need to feel supported—the less alone we feel. And when we feel less alone, we’re more empowered to push for the kind of systems, policies, and communities that truly support families.

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Discover Le Village Lakeview with Annie Pecoraro!

Annie’s thoughtful, intentional approach to both career and caregiving makes her the perfect person to bring Le Village to Lakeview. Whether you’re a remote worker, entrepreneur, or simply looking for a flexible way to stay connected to your child while staying active in your career—this space is for you.

Le Village Lakeview is getting ready to open its doors, and you’re invited to get a first look! Join Annie and the Lakeview team on Saturday, May 4 at The Toast of Uptown—a special open house event where you can tour the space, meet other local parents, and learn how Le Village is redefining what it means to work and raise a family under one roof.

👉 Want to learn more? Visit Le Village Cowork or reach out to schedule a tour and experience the space for yourself.

Let’s give Annie a warm welcome as she brings this next Village to life—right at the edge of Uptown and Lakeview Chicago!