Tell us about some of your favorite ways to experience Detroit outside of work and Challenge Detroit.

Since a majority of my current goals revolve around personal and professional development, I find that I’m typically engaging with the city by attending workshops and/or volunteering. I’m consistently amazed by the sheer number of opportunities there are to learn, network and volunteer in Detroit. I find myself at Bamboo Detroit a lot, learning about social media, blogging, writing a bio, building a brand, etc. I also volunteer several times per month with the Detroit Institute of Arts. I spend a lot of my Saturday mornings there at the information desk, learning from my fellow volunteers and DIA leadership and interacting with visitors.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit during your fellowship year?

To say that this year has been a learning experience is an understatement! I’ve honestly never learned so much. Working alongside such an amazing group of talented and successful individuals has been so inspiring and motivating, and I’ve learned something unique from each and every one of the fellows. It’s challenging to speak to all that I’ve learned, but something specific that really sticks out to me is the power of collaboration. Challenge Detroit has given me the opportunity to work closely with such diverse individuals and organizations. In the past year, I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some of the most passionate, motivated people I’ve ever met. Seeing the work that can be done when you bring the right people together has been eye-opening. It’s kept me on my game all year, and it’s a huge confidence booster to feel like you have your place among such a remarkable group of people – and when I say that, I’m referring to fellows AND the organizations we’ve collaborated with. Both have had a deep impact on my life.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.

My host company is Marketing Associates, where I proudly work as a Graphic Designer on their creative team. I’m doing something different each day at my job – which I love. I have a wide range of responsibilities, many of which focus on internal communications and projects. My primary focuses throughout the week are the management of Marketing Associates’ social media accounts and deliverables related to our 50th anniversary, which we’re celebrating this year. Social media is a big job, so I work with a small team of incredible people who have taught me so much about social media management and analytics. I enjoy the work I do with social media, and in many ways, have fostered a connection between social media and the work I’m doing related to our 50th anniversary. It’s been a unique opportunity to learn about Marketing Associates’ storied history and connect with important figures who have made a momentous impact on the company. I recently launched a social media campaign titled “50 Memories from Our 50 Years” on our Facebook page, which will run through the end of the year. It has been a true labor of love! I’ve genuinely enjoyed crafting each post and am looking forward to sharing our history with the community. In addition to “50 Memories from Our 50 Years”, I’ve been managing aspects of our 50th anniversary book, which will be produced at the end of this year. It will be very exciting to see that project come to fruition. I’m so proud to have a hand in it!

What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?

Within my host company, I hope to continue to grow as a professional and diversify my skill set so that I can be a strong asset to my team and, ultimately, contribute to the continued success and growth of Marketing Associates.

Within the city, I hope to become more deeply involved with some of the incredible organizations I’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout the year. I hope to be able to utilize my skills as an artist and designer to elevate the powerful work that’s being done in the city. I find a real sense of success and satisfaction in being able to use my skills to support these organizations on their journey.

What are you most looking forward to this summer in Detroit?

My host company is located in the Ernst & Young building in Campus Martius Park, right in the heart of Downtown, and the beautiful weather brings such an awesome energy to the area. There is so much hustle and bustle – everybody is out and about, enjoying the outdoors, walking to lunch, smiling, laughing, etc. I love being able to join the crowds and step outside, sit in the grass and soak up some sun over lunch. It’s so nice having the opportunity to step out of the office and recharge when you need to.

What do you envision for Detroit 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I envision a city whose entire population is given the opportunity to thrive. It is my hope that the transformational work that is happening in Downtown, Midtown and Corktown will make its way to the neighborhoods, where there are Detroiters who are more than deserving of a safe, prosperous community where they can comfortably and confidently plant their roots.

To learn more about Athena’s life as a Challenge Detroit Fellow this year, check out her spotlight video.