I’m Laura L. Chavez, Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit and a mission-driven executive with over 15 years of experience leading transformation across the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors. My work is rooted in a deep commitment to equity, community development, and creating systems that generate lasting, inclusive impact.

Before joining Per Scholas, I served as President & CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, where I led a full-scale turnaround of the organization. During my tenure, we restored financial stability, strengthened community partnerships, and launched the nearly \$30 million La Joya Gardens development—bringing affordable housing and entrepreneurial resources to the heart of Southwest Detroit.

Earlier in my career, I held leadership roles in banking at Comerica, Flagstar, and Citizens Bank, where I focused on financial operations, community investment, and strategic growth in urban markets. Across all of my roles, I’ve stayed focused on bridging economic opportunity and building strong, resilient ecosystems that serve people first.

I’m proud to serve on several boards, including Prospanica Detroit and the Chamber Music of Detroit, and to mentor emerging leaders through the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative. I hold a B.A. in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from Wayne State University and completed executive education in Transformational Leadership at the University of Denver. I’m also a graduate of Leadership Detroit Class XLII.