William Dechavez Michigan State Chairperson US Pinoys for Good Governance

By: Ryan Tejero

 

In the last days of 2015, the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) was successfully organized in the state of Michigan. Inspired by Fil-Am global leader and its founder, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, USP4GG Michigan truly represents the advocacy work of Fil-Am leaders with the following mission: Educate the Filipino American community members about the principles and values of good governance; Promote the history, culture and values of Filipino Americans for better understanding; Encourage community members to discuss issues and concerns affecting them; Encourage Filipinos who are US citizens to apply for and obtain dual citizenship; Encourage Filipinos to register and vote in the Philippines and US elections; Promote and participate on projects of the Philippines and United States for good governance that will benefit the common good, and provide opportunities for empowerment and civic engagement.

Since its inception last year, USP4GG has been visibly participating in events of both mainstream and the Filipino American community. Highlights include community campaigning for voter registration, participating in Independence Day parades, and more recently, organizing the Philippine American Friendship Luncheon held in Madison Heights on July 2, 2016. Promising as it is, USP4GG will unveil additional events before the year ends, and it will just get bigger and bigger as the years to come!

Willie is a passionate community leader, who gained respect for his excellent leadership skills. He has served as the Executive Director of NaFFAAMidwest Convention 2003 and Executive Director of the Filipino- American Political Association of Michigan (FAPAM). He was a founding member, Vice President and the Cultural Chairperson of the Council of Asia Pacific Americans (CAPA) in Michigan. He chaired the first event called Splendor of the East. He held previous government-appointed positions which include: Macomb County Historical Commissioner; Board of Director Cornerstone Development Authority, City of Southfield; Chairperson of the Ethnic Community Issues Committee, City of Sterling Heights. In 2013, He was appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as a member of the Advisory Council for Asian American Pacific Affairs. He recently joined, by appointment, as one of the Commissioners of Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC). He is also currently the VP of APIA-Vote Michigan.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, Willie received numerous awards and recognitions: These include: 2002 Banaag Presidential Award for Filipinos Overseas, 2002 Governor Service Award, 2001 Macomb County Volunteer of the Year Award, 1997 Fulbright Teacher Japan Travel, 2001 Michigan Teacher of the Year – Finalist, and the Marygrove College Professional Teacher Award; 2005 MetLife Foundation Ambassador in Education Award and 2005 Diversity Champion Award; 2010 Gintong Pamana Awardee on Community Leadership, and 2010, Diversity Excellence Award from the Asian American Journalist Association.

Willie grew up in Sorsogon, Philippines. He is an educator within the Detroit Public Schools System. He is a graduate of UST, with a major in Political Science. He earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Administration from Wayne State University. He is married to Winifred and blessed with an only child, Jacqueline. Please contact Willie if you are interested to become part of USP4GG’s advocacies at email: misterwd2001@ aol.com.

(Standing 3rd from R) Willie Dechavez is flanked by other members and supporters of UPS4GG Michigan during their Philippine American Friendship Luncheon held in Madison Heights, MI on July 2, 2016.