Called to Lift the Next Generation w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and JoAnn Chávez

Called to Lift the Next Generation w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and JoAnn Chávez

From Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) by Ascension

July 31, 2026 · 55 min

About this episode

Fr. Mike Schmitz interviews JoAnn Chávez about her journey from corporate executive to serving the next generation.

What does it mean to reach the top of the corporate ladder—and then realize God has an even bigger mission for you? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with JoAnn Chávez: former C-Suite executive, founder of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, sixth-generation Mexican-American, and proud Notre Dame law graduate. Raised in southwest Detroit, JoAnn shares her powerful story of growing up in the shadow of St. Anne’s Basilica, overcoming family addiction and loss, and choosing to turn personal hardship into a lifelong calling to serve the next generation. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email [email protected] .

People in this episode

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Guest: JoAnn Chávez

Topics covered

  • corporate mission
  • personal hardship
  • serving the next generation
  • overcoming addiction
  • Mexican-American heritage

Keywords

  • corporate ladder
  • mission
  • addiction
  • service
  • Mexican-American
  • law graduate

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, Notre Dame, thecatholicinitiative.org

Places: southwest Detroit, St. Anne’s Basilica

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