Partner Partner Content How JPMorganChase is investing in Detroit communities: Q&A with new Global Philanthropy Lead Katrina Chaves

JPMorganChase has reached a significant milestone in Detroit, announcing that its business and philanthropic investments in the city have now surpassed $2 billion since 2014. This reflects the firm’s deep and ongoing commitment to Detroit’s growth and revitalization. As part of this new chapter, the firm also unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art downtown office and conference center, designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and community engagement — further underscoring its support for Detroit’s continued resurgence.

To build on this momentum, JPMorganChase is proud to introduce its new Global Philanthropy Program Officer in Detroit, Katrina Chaves.

What attracted you to this role? 

Chaves: This is an incredible opportunity to serve Detroit. Having lived in the city on and off over the last decade, I’ve been fortunate to meet people from all walks of life and experience its many neighborhoods. It’s a privilege to help guide the firm’s investments in the city and to partner with the people and organizations already making a difference. Early in my career, I learned the importance of tri-sector leadership — working across public, nonprofit, and private sectors to solve big challenges. Most of my career has been in the public sector, and before taking this role, I worked with Trust Neighborhoods, a national nonprofit that helps communities create their own mixed-income neighborhood trusts. I wanted private sector experience at some point, but it needed to be a role with purpose beyond just making profit. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit with this role – I work for a global company that values investment in communities and sets the standard for how the private sector can help strengthen the places where it does business.

In 2016, I started my career at the City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department, where I facilitated public-private partnerships, negotiated with developers to secure affordable units, and helped them navigate city processes – all with the aim of building more safe, quality and affordable housing in Detroit. Looking back, I realize that my work was closely connected to the investments JPMorganChase was making in neighborhoods and commercial corridors. Now, stepping into this role feels like a full-circle moment. I’m able to continue this work with a deeper understanding of how philanthropy can help drive large-scale impact in collaboration with the community. 

I come from very humble beginnings, and my family has faced many of the challenges I’m now working to address. The perspectives I bring—personally and professionally—are valuable, and my hope is that they contribute to more thoughtful, effective and inclusive solutions. 

What do you see as Detroit’s greatest strengths and opportunities? 

Chaves: Detroit’s greatest strength is its people—the heart, grit, and determination of communities who have been through a lot and keep moving forward. The authenticity and creative energy in this city are unmatched. We see it in the arts and music scene, the city’s architecture and design, in Detroit’s legacy of innovation, and the rapid growth in technology and mobility sectors. I think overcoming struggle and adversity can fuel a spirit of innovation and creativity. I’m constantly inspired and energized by the residents of this city. Looking ahead, Detroit has significant opportunity to build on the recent upward momentum and growth. We need to do so in a way that benefits even more residents and neighborhoods across the city. 

How is JPMorganChase working to address these needs? 

Chaves: JPMorganChase is focused on strengthening the systems that support Detroit’s communities. We’ve worked with organizations to help make quality affordable housing more accessible through LISC’s Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, the Detroit Development Fund, and we continue to support emerging developers behind these projects with funding for technical assistance and predevelopment capital through these organizations. We’re helping to activate neighborhood commercial corridors through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, that is managed by Invest Detroit in partnership with the City, and we keep investing in Detroit’s small business ecosystem.  As part of our workforce strategy, we work with local organizations to help more Detroiters access good jobs and build successful careers. We’ve created new jobs through the Chase virtual call center, continue to support youth summer job opportunities through Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, and work with organizations that help remove barriers to quality employment and offer hands-on training and mentorship for underserved individuals – whether they’re first-generation college students, childcare providers, aspiring fashion designers or skilled tradespeople. 

Why is it important for JPMorganChase to give back to the community? 

Chaves: Access to economic opportunities and resources can truly change a person’s life. I’ve experienced firsthand how quality education, stable and safe housing, and a supportive community can give a solid foundation – regardless of one’s background. It won’t come as a surprise to many that when a person has access to meaningful work, opportunities to build their skills and connections to mentors and a supportive network, they’re better equipped to pursue rewarding careers and work toward long-term economic stability.

That’s why we focus our investments on removing systemic barriers and expanding pathways to success — whether that means starting or growing a business, having quality and affordable housing, developing skills to advance careers and increase earnings or building wealth to pass on to the next generation. While it’s exciting to see the city’s progress and momentum, we know there’s still more work to do. We’re committed to continuing to listen, learn, and support Detroiters as they shape the city’s next chapter.

Where can Detroiters go to learn more about JPMorganChase’s work? 

Chaves: You can learn more about JPMorganChase’s investment in Detroit and our lessons learned along the way here.