Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what makes your neighborhood unique?

Fun times at Comerica Park. Go Tigers!

I love my home, Detroit. I live with my husband in Lafayette Park, just miles from the city’s downtown, a short run from the river, and a quick walk from Eastern Market. Everywhere I go I see people that are different from me, programs that are creative, businesses that are unique, and architecture full of character. The city is vivacious.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

I’ve learned that the hardest thing to measure is impact. Time and resources are needed to collect data and capture the impact of a project (ex. number of items sold, amount of money saved, etc.). With the short turnaround time of the Fellowship Challenges, it is uncommon that we witness the impact of our work after just 5-weeks of collaboration. Projects without visible, tangible end-results has taught me humility and selflessness. I have learned to work hard, knowing that I have contributed to something bigger. “Work hard now, it will pay off later”.

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

I work with EcoWorks, an organization providing services at the intersection of community development and sustainability. While our roots are firmly planted in energy conservation, we have grown to emphasize all aspects of sustainable development as it relates to building affordable, energy efficient residential housing and commercial buildings. I was hired as the organization’s Continuous Improvement Coordinator to develop and implement strategies that align with the organization’s mission, including software development and organizational management.

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

EcoWorks works with residents, schools, organizations, municipalities, and communities in and around Detroit, providing solutions to increased utility costs and climate change. The groundwork they provide for Detroiters and surrounding communities can be tough and trying. I hope to be a resource for EcoWorks, making processes easier, and data collection more reliable so that the amount of hands-on work needed in our neighborhoods can be continued with less of a need for office work. I enjoy my work, knowing that it gets the most talented individuals into communities doing work that makes the biggest differences in our neighborhoods.

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

Belle Isle, Potlucks, and Fellows.

I am looking forward to the end of winter hibernation! As the weather continues to get warmer and sunnier, I look forward to seeing more people outside and occupying public green spaces. We must take advantage of our beautiful Michigan resources likes parks, lakes, and green pathways.

What do you envision for Detroit 10 years from now?

In ten years, I hope that the work done by today’s nonprofits is no longer necessary as social, economic, and environmental practices are integrated into city processes. I want to see Detroit comprised of sustaining communities that are vibrant, walkable, fair, and just.

To learn more about Miranda’s life as a Challenge Detroit Fellow check out her spotlight video below!