As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is proud to highlight one of our esteemed trustees, JoAnn Chávez.
A trailblazer in the corporate world and a dedicated advocate for the Hispanic community, JoAnn’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and giving back—values that align perfectly with our commitment to creating a thriving southeast Michigan, now and forever.
A Journey Rooted in Family and Community
JoAnn Chávez, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at DTE Energy, has built a career marked by strategic leadership and a passion for creating opportunities for others. While her professional path has taken her around the globe, from New York to Mexico City, her roots have always remained in Michigan.
“My dad, David Chávez, always told me to never forget where I came from. It was really important to him. He passed away after I graduated, but his words stuck with me. It can be difficult when you work in a predominantly white world,” JoAnn reflects. Her father’s family came from Mexico to Detroit in search of the American dream, like so many who joined the auto industry. “My mom’s family story is a little different,” she adds, recalling how her maternal relatives, Mexican-Americans from South Texas, faced discriminatory laws similar to Jim Crow. They, too, left in search of better opportunities.
JoAnn’s return to Michigan was driven by family, as she came home to support them through a difficult time. But her return also marked a new chapter in her commitment to the community, specifically to the Hispanic population in southeast Michigan.
Leadership and Impact at DTE Energy
Since joining DTE in 2007, JoAnn has managed a $3 billion tax portfolio, ensured compliance with federal mandates, and prepared the company for evolving regulations on climate and cybersecurity. Her strategic insights have been instrumental in DTE’s journey toward reduced emissions and sustainable energy practices, reflecting a shared commitment to building a better tomorrow for all.
Beyond her professional achievements, JoAnn is a passionate mentor and advocate. As the executive sponsor of Somos DTE, the company’s Hispanic employee resource group, she fosters an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and empowered. In 2009, she launched the STEP (Summer Talent Exposure Program) at DTE, which mentors college students of color, preparing them for successful careers through resume building, interview training, and the development of soft skills. Her dedication echoes the Community Foundation’s mission to expand equitable access to opportunities, ensuring that the region’s future is in capable and diverse hands.
Vision for the Hispanic Community
As a leader, JoAnn is passionate about the future of the Hispanic community in southeast Michigan and its role in the region’s prosperity. She knows that education is key to building a thriving community.
“The Hispanic community is the fastest growing in the country, and we see that reflected in southeast Michigan, where 9% of the population is Hispanic,” JoAnn explains. “But it’s still a largely underserved population. To ensure Detroit thrives, we need to educate and create opportunities for the next generation—whether it’s through trades or placing them at the tables where decisions are made.”
She emphasizes that these efforts are not just “nice to haves” but essential for the region’s future. “Helping all citizens accomplish their potential isn’t just about helping them—it’s how we survive and attract more talent to this state.”
Driven by her deep commitment to her community, JoAnn founded the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative in 2018, an nonprofit focused on reducing Hispanic poverty and promoting economic empowerment through education and career success. The Collaborative’s work has been transformative, providing resources and opportunities that uplift the Hispanic community in Detroit and beyond, contributing to the overall vitality and sustainability of southeast Michigan.
JoAnn’s commitment to education is evident through her establishment of the Chávez Family Law Fellowship at her alma mater, Notre Dame, where she, herself, obtained both undergraduate and law degrees. The fellowship benefits Hispanic law students and fosters the next generation of legal professionals.
Leadership at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
JoAnn’s deep commitment to empowering others made her a natural fit for the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, where she serves as a Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.
“When I looked at the work of the Community Foundation and the other trustees, it was clear that this was a table of opportunity and influence, and I wanted to join the board so that I could ensure the Hispanic community had a seat at that table,” JoAnn shares.
JoAnn has also generously contributed to the Foundation, supporting various funds including the Now and Forever Fund, the endowment that directly supports the Community Foundation’s capacity, “I believe the Community Foundation is one of the major influencers in the philanthropic and broader community. It’s important to support and advance their goals,” she says.
Her personal philanthropic goals closely align with the Foundation’s mission. “My own resources are focused on advancing higher education, which was my way out of poverty and my path to achieving the American dream. I feel an obligation to repay that debt to my community—both personally and through collaboration, like the nonprofit I founded, the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative. Our purpose is to help others achieve economic mobility through education.”
A Call to Action for the Broader Community
In 2019, JoAnn made history as DTE’s first Latina chief legal officer, a role she achieved after setting a personal goal in 2015 to become one of the few Latina general counsels in a Fortune 500 company. Her influence extends beyond her corporate achievements; she is a relentless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, driven by a belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of background.
JoAnn’s journey as a Latina leader has not been without its challenges, and she believes the broader community plays an important role in supporting Hispanic professionals and families.
“We need to continue looking for opportunities to help Hispanic professionals advance,” she says. “As companies identify young Hispanic professionals, it’s crucial to ensure they have the mentorship and guidance to navigate spaces that weren’t built for us. Many of us are the first generation in our families to go to college or pursue professional careers, and we often operate in a world where we weren’t part of the original design.”
JoAnn humorously reflects on her own experiences: “I’m 5’4” and at so many of those tables, my feet couldn’t even touch the ground. Being the first and only in the room is difficult. It’s essential to reach out and support those who may not yet know how to navigate that world.”
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Empowerment
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, JoAnn Chávez’s journey reminds us of the profound impact that one person can have on their community. Her leadership at the Community Foundation, DTE and other nonprofits, continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in southeast Michigan.
JoAnn’s vision for the future is clear: she wants to see the next generation of Hispanic leaders rise to seats of influence, where they can contribute to shaping a prosperous and inclusive southeast Michigan. Through her work at DTE, her leadership at the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, and her role at the Community Foundation, she is actively creating pathways for others to succeed.
Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. Her work embodies the values of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan: leading change, collaboration, and expanding equitable access to opportunities. Her efforts contribute to a southeast Michigan where everyone can thrive—today and in the future.
JoAnn Chávez is not just a leader; she is a mentor, a role model, and a champion for change. Her commitment to her family, her community, and her heritage makes her a beacon of hope and an exemplar of what it means to lead with purpose.
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