Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what things make it unique?

I have been living in Detroit for about 3 months now and I’m really enjoying my time here. Everyone is so authentic, passionate and being here during the positive movement happening in Detroit has allowed me to become a part of something greater than myself. The energy and focus here is a beautiful thing to witness, and it’s rubbing off on me.

I chose to live east of downtown because of its close proximity to my job, Eastern Market, downtown and the River Walk. The area is also pretty walkable, and that’s been my main form of getting around this fall, which helps me get more exercise in.  Also, it has historically been one of the most racially diverse areas in the city and still is very diverse today. My neighbors include medical students, business professionals, retired seniors and families of all races and backgrounds.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

I have learned that I still have a lot to learn about Detroit, its history and the vast communities that make up the city. Challenge Detroit has helped to set the stage for me to learn more about Detroit and sparked a curiosity in me. Talking to long term Detroiters about their experiences has become a new hobby of mines.

I’ve also learned the importance of teamwork and garnishing assistance from those that have a different skillset than your own to get a new perspective. All of the fellows have different educational and work backgrounds, and the understanding I have been able to gain from them all has been very useful.

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

When I am not with Challenge Detroit on Fridays, I am spending my workweek as a project coordinator with Rock Ventures, LLC which is a part of the Quicken Loans Family of Companies. When I found out that I would be placed with Rock Ventures, I was surprised. I come from a non-profit and government background so I didn’t understand why a for-profit would view me as an ideal candidate.

But soon after I started, I learned that they are very invested in helping Detroit to thrive and I was able to jump on projects related to education, driving job growth, growing Detroit’s population and improving opportunity for all. Rock Ventures is always giving back and we are currently celebrating the victory of our team members raising almost $650,000 during our Quicken Loans Charity Challenge. The money will be given to several non-profits in Detroit who are doing great work all across the city.

Challenge Detroit staff asked Rock Ventures, what Gabrial is working on and the value it provides to her team and the organization…

“Since joining Rock Ventures, Gabrial has helped create and implement programs designed to enhance our company culture and has supported the efforts of our community-focused teams.  In her role, she leverages her past experience as a teacher and her commitment to community well-being to inform decision-making on education programs, community activation and team member engagement.  She is quick to take on new and different projects and is always interested in learning about different areas of our Family of Companies and exploring ways to get more involved.” – Josh McManus, Cheif Operating Officer, Rock Ventures

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

My host company is working on a lot of projects that support the Detroit Public Schools, rather it be financial support or a career mentorship program. I am involved with these initiatives and I really want to make an impact by helping to shape how they are implemented. I am also excited to be working with the community activation team, who creates city-wide events/programming to bring more visitors to Detroit.

I have the goal of making sure I share my voice and participate whenever possible during my time with my host company, and remembering that I am here for a reason and have a lot to contribute.

What challenge project are you currently working on and why is the topic relevant to Detroit?

We are currently working with Forgotten Harvest, and they are dedicated to “relieving hunger in Metro Detroit and preventing nutritious food waste.” A lot of Americans assume that our country doesn’t have serious food scarcity problems, but we do; especially in Detroit.  

Working with Forgotten Harvest has reminded me that there are many vulnerable groups in Detroit that are either forced to eat foods lacking in nutrition or are struggling to eat in general. During this challenge, I will be working with my team mates to come up with solutions to better connect the senior population (particularly the sick and shut-in) with fresh and nutritious food options. This population is sometimes overlooked and forgotten about.

What are you most looking forward to as a Fellow in 2017?

I’m really excited about developing stronger bonds with the other fellows as well as other residents in Detroit. I’m also excited to continue to learn from the non-profits we work with on Challenge Fridays. I want to attend more events in 2017 and deepen my connection with the city. There is always something to do here and my goal is to take advantage. And I know this is months away, but I’m excited for spring of 2017 and taking advantage of all the outdoor activities that are so popular here; biking, festivals and exploring the beaches in Belle Isle/northern Michigan. It’s a lot to look forward to.

To learn even more about Gabrial’s experience in Detroit so far, check out her spotlight video!