Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Chavez.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
grew up in Southwest Detroit, a community that shaped me long before I understood the word “leadership.” Like many young people in our neighborhood, I experienced instability early on — including time in foster care and periods of homelessness — but I was surrounded by people who taught me resilience, hustle, and the importance of showing up for others.
As a first-generation college student, I rode my bicycle from Southwest Detroit to Wayne State University in the 1990s determined to build a different future for myself. Education became my pathway, but community became my purpose. Over the years, I dedicated my career to advocacy, nonprofit leadership, economic development, and creating opportunities for families and young people who are often overlooked.
Today, I serve as Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit, where I work to expand access to careers in technology and workforce development, particularly for communities that have historically been excluded from those spaces. I’m also the founder of Raíces Detroit, a culturally rooted community organization focused on connecting residents, small businesses, and youth to resources, opportunity, and advocacy throughout Southeast Michigan.
Whether through workforce development, community events, disaster relief efforts, or initiatives like Lotería Southwest Detroit Edition, my work has always centered on one thing: making sure our communities are seen, valued, and invested in. Everything I do is rooted in gratitude for the people and neighborhoods that raised me — and a commitment to making sure the next generation has even more opportunities than I did.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road — but I think that’s part of what gives my journey meaning and perspective.
I faced a lot of challenges early in life, including foster care, homelessness, financial hardship, and trying to navigate systems that were not always built for young people who looked like me or came from communities like Southwest Detroit. There were moments when survival came before dreams. I often worked while attending school and had to learn resilience very young.
Professionally, many of the struggles were tied to representation and access. As a Latina woman in leadership spaces — especially in workforce development, economic development, and now tech — there were times when I had to advocate not only for myself, but for entire communities that were being overlooked. I learned how important it is to build relationships, stay grounded in purpose, and continue showing up even when progress feels slow.
Community work also comes with emotional weight. Whether responding to the Southwest Detroit water main break crisis, supporting families impacted by economic hardship, or helping young people find pathways into careers, you carry people’s stories with you. The work is deeply rewarding, but it also requires perseverance, compassion, and balance.
At the same time, every challenge helped shape the leader I am today. The struggles taught me empathy, resourcefulness, and how to lead with both urgency and heart. They also reinforced my belief that representation matters — because sometimes seeing someone who comes from your neighborhood, your culture, or your lived experience succeed can completely change what feels possible.
We’ve been impressed with My business is Raíces Detroit. I work for a national nonprofit Per Scholas , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Raíces Detroit was created from a deep love for Southwest Detroit and a belief that communities already have the talent, culture, and resilience they need to thrive — they just need access, connection, and investment. “Raíces” means roots, and that name reflects everything we stand for: staying grounded in culture, community, and purpose while helping people grow.
We are a culturally rooted consulting and community engagement organization that focuses on advocacy, community activation, small business support, workforce connections, storytelling, and nonprofit collaboration throughout Southeast Michigan. Our work lives at the intersection of culture, economic opportunity, and community impact. One day we may be organizing a workforce development conversation around tech access, and the next we may be coordinating a neighborhood food distribution, supporting a local business activation, or helping amplify Southwest Detroit stories through media and partnerships.
What sets Raíces Detroit apart is authenticity and trust. Everything we do is relationship-driven and community-centered. We are not an organization that simply “shows up” for a photo opportunity — we are deeply embedded in the community because we are from the community. That lived experience allows us to connect across generations, languages, and sectors in a very real way.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that we have built a brand that celebrates Southwest Detroit in a positive, vibrant, and culturally grounded way. Whether through our Lotería Southwest Detroit Edition, neighborhood events, advocacy work, disaster relief efforts, or collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits, we intentionally tell stories that honor the people and culture of our community. We want people to see Southwest Detroit not through stereotypes, but through its creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, and corazón.
At our core, Raíces Detroit is about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected. We want readers to know that our work is driven by impact, collaboration, and genuine love for community — and that we are committed to building opportunities that leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that relationships and authenticity matter more than titles or recognition. People may remember your accomplishments, but they never forget how you made them feel or whether you truly showed up for them when it mattered most.
I’ve also learned that resilience is not about pretending things are easy it’s about continuing to move forward with purpose even during difficult seasons. Some of the hardest moments in my life and career ultimately became the experiences that shaped my empathy, leadership style, and commitment to community.
Another major lesson has been the importance of representation. Growing up, I did not always see people who looked like me in leadership positions, especially in spaces tied to business, technology, philanthropy, or economic development. That taught me how powerful visibility can be. Sometimes simply opening a door, sharing knowledge, or making someone feel like they belong can completely change the trajectory of their life.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that success means very little if you do not bring others with you. True impact comes from creating opportunities, building community, and leaving spaces better than you found them.
Pricing:
- Fundraising $125 per hr
- Community engagement $125 per hr
- Marketing and social media TBD
- Businesses Activation flexible
- Lotería Southwest Detroit Edition packages
Contact Info:
- Website: https://RaicesDetroit.Com
- Instagram: RaicesDetroit
- Facebook: Raices Detroit
- LinkedIn: Raíces Detroit
