Tell us about a few of your favorite spots in Detroit and what makes them unique.
- Belle Isle Aquarium: I love sharing this particular attraction with my family and creating special memories together.
- Detroit Vegan Soul: I have recently changed my diet and this has been my go to place. I love it!
- Charles H. Wright Museum: Sometimes we, as African Americans, lose the connection with our ancestors and rarely identify “their” journey as “our” journey, this place brings it all full circle.
What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?
- That every idea, be it great or small, comes with some form of a challenge but if there is an effort it can be accomplished.
- A team can be successful and a strong unit when they willfully take advantage of the beauty of communication.
- Prioritization is the key to maximizing your time!
Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.
I am a medical technologist at Henry Ford Health System, a leading health care and medical services provider delivering innovative treatment throughout the city of Detroit and with the satellites in the surrounding cities, we are providing care throughout the state. As a med tech, I perform and analyze the results of complex scientific tests on blood and bodily fluids. I am trained to use sophisticated procedures and equipment as well as train new hires and student interns. When test results are analyzed and completed, I collaborate with physicians or laboratory directors on patient data and help aid in the diagnosis.
How do you hope to continue to use what you’ve learned as a Fellow after your year is finished?
- Life lessons: I plan to be more passionate, use empathy, and being kind on a daily.
- Business etiquette: Being committed, hardworking, and ON TIME to my job!
- Organization readiness: I plan on using design thinking, SWOT analysis, best practices, and empathy interviewing in my nonprofit. And I pray that through these skills I can equip my organization to be just as effective and visible in the community as Challenge Detroit.
What are you most looking forward to this spring and summer in Detroit?
- I can’t wait to see how they will honor the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit Riots.
- The annual Fireworks and 38th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival
- I’m also looking forward to just taking advantages of the new places to eat, murals, and the rise of cultural-related activities.
What do you envision for Detroit 10 years from now?
Ten years from now the story of “two Detroits” with subside. All people, concerned long-time residents will find their place in the revitalization. The leaders of today’s redevelopment will involve long time residents and together they will begin to share the same language, find a synergistic relationship, and know they are on the same team. The team working towards the greater good for the city of Detroit.
To learn more about Deleah and the many hats she wears as a Fellow, mother, non-profit founder and so much more watch her video below.