Michele Chang joined Michigan Community Resources' Legal Team in June 2024 as a Legal Program Assistant. She supports an anchoring component of MCR's work, connecting pro bono attorneys with nonprofits and community organizations who would otherwise be unable to access legal support. You can learn more about our legal work here, and learn more about Michele and her story below.
WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND?
I grew up in the Von Steuben neighborhood of Detroit. My parents were Hmong refugees from Laos, and it was through them that I learned the importance of community. I became interested in law because of the injustice and discrimination that my parents have faced. Later, I lived in Seattle for over 10 years where I did legal aid support work to help educate and advocate for low-income communities in Washington.
I was inspired to return to school to finish my B.A. while in Washington. I majored in American Ethnic Studies because I wanted to have a deeper understanding of the history and experiences of the American people. I love learning about different cultures and have made international friends.
For a time before the pandemic, I taught English in South Korea. Teaching abroad gave me a unique perspective about my own privilege. I didn’t know the language or the culture, and my time there forced me to reflect on what it means to be an outsider.
I’m excited to be back in Michigan. Though I returned to the states because of the pandemic, it felt like it was time to come back here, and in Detroit specifically.
WHAT DREW YOU TO MCR?
I want to give back to my home state and I am passionate about serving and empowering communities. MCR’s work felt like it could make the biggest impact on communities because the work supports leaders who know what’s best for their communities.
IF YOU WERE AN ART PIECE, WHAT KIND OF ARTWORK WOULD YOU BE?
If I could be an art piece, I’d be a portrait done by Chuck Close. At a distant glance, it appears to be a person’s face but upon closer inspection it is made up of tiny shapes and colors. The experiences in my life are like the tiny little grids of color that make me who I am.
If you want to connect with Michele, you can reach her at mchang@mi-community.org.