Step into the STEPS Coalition and meet our board members. Meet Bill Chandler, a Steps Coalition Board member since 2013.
Bill Chandler, Director: Bill Chandler, an eyewitness to brutal immigration raids during the 1950’s, has been continuously involved in advocating for the rights and security for immigrant workers. In 2000, he brought together immigrants, labor, civil rights, religious, and human rights activists to form the Mississippi Immigrants’ Rights Alliance (MIRA) and serves as the Executive Director for that organization. MIRA has grown into a major force led by a board of primarily African and Latino leaders and is internationally recognized for its efforts to build unity among people of color. Bill has served the struggle for affirmative action in the Labor Movement, as every union he has organized in the South is led by women of color. In 2009, he was named a Purpose Prize Fellow. Bill has six children and seven grandchildren. He is married to immigration attorney Patricia Ice and lives in Jackson, Mississippi with their two dogs and two cats. Bill began his term of service with Steps Board of Directors in 2013.