Detroit City Wire

JoAnn Chávez, who grew up in southwest Detroit, has been recognized as a Hispanic Heritage Month Game Changers honoree. Her connection to the Detroit Tigers began in her childhood when her parents parked cars for games at Tiger Stadium. "The Tigers have been an important part of my upbringing because we were always there for every game when I was young," Chávez recalled.

The Game Changers series by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment honors community members making significant contributions in metro Detroit. In collaboration with Comerica Bank, the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers select one honoree per week during certain months to receive a $1,000 grant for a charity of their choice.

Chávez was chosen for her work with the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), a nonprofit she founded in 2018 with other local Latinos to support Hispanic students' education and career success. "I always knew it was going to be education because both of my parents didn’t finish high school," Chávez explained.

Tiffany Harrington from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment praised Chávez's leadership: “JoAnn Chávez’s incredible leadership and vision through Michigan Hispanic Collaborative have transformed countless lives by creating pathways to education and economic empowerment.”

Chávez expressed gratitude for those who assist her efforts, stating, “More often than not, I tell people I am nothing special... but I did make it out." She emphasized the importance of representation for the Latino community and MiHC's mission: “When you educate one Latino, you empower a community.”

To learn more about Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, visit mihc.org.