Tell us about where you live and what makes it unique?
I currently live in the North Rosedale neighborhood in Detroit’s northwest section. I grew up in the neighboring Rosedale Park neighborhood from age 4 to 18 and received my early start in the Schulze neighborhood just west of M-10. I bring up this trajectory of neighborhoods because it underlines the ambition of my parents to move into neighborhoods which would give my siblings and I a better upbringing. Surely, North Rosedale is known for its many large and stately brick homes. However, what makes my neighborhood both unique and relevant is its strong neighborhood association which helps to keep residents and homeowners engaged with one another. This grassroots system of neighborhood leadership can be utilized by all neighborhoods in Detroit to develop citizenship and the improvement of services and of quality of life for its residents.

Tell us about your first challenge project of the year, what did you learn from the experience?
Our first challenge project of the year was with the Motor City Match program. My team was tasked with understanding the challenges and experiences of the programs Cash Award finalists. I learned how Detroit can benefit from innovative policy making when citizens and their government empower programs like Motor City Match. Within my small team of fellows, the reality that leadership can be developed within individuals was reaffirmed in me. We had a stellar team lead who grew week over week. Her confidence, mindfulness, and assertiveness allowed us to flourish as individuals team members.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.
I am working at Crain’s Detroit Homecoming. My key objectives for the year are to systematically quantify the benefit Homecoming provides to Detroit and its residents, and to develop a stronger sense of community within Detroit’s global Expatriate community. I also manage Detroit Homecoming’s social media communications and assist with outreach to local stakeholders and Detroit expatriates.

What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?
Outside from an excellent execution of the objectives and tasks given to me, I hope to increase the level of scale and automation utilized by our organization. Through this additional scale and automation, Detroit Homecoming can help to better connect Detroit community leaders and changemakers with Detroit Expatriates. This greater level of connectivity will allow Detroiters to better create change which helps the city’s residents.

What are you most looking forward to in Detroit this year?
I am looking forward to finding a role of service to Detroiters at the grassroots level. Since moving to Detroit from NYC, I am still working out a regular schedule for myself. However, in exploring the city and meeting passionate residents, I am beginning to learn about the various grassroots programs and channels of activism around the city through which I can serve many of the city’s most vulnerable residents as well as its most courageous voices on a regular basis.

How do you believe your fellowship will shape your career moving forward?
After spending 10 years outside of Michigan on a full-time basis, Challenge Detroit gives me the opportunity to meet the many Detroiters who are committed to the well-being of the city. From these professionals, I am learning that creative approaches and fresh perspectives are critical to surmounting many of the current challenges facing Detroit and many other post-industrial cities in America. Detroit is a very special place and Challenge Detroit is giving me a high-level view of the ways I can serve its residents.

To see how Medvis starts his day and hear about his experiences in Detroit so far, check out his spotlight video below.