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

I live in Downtown Detroit where I am just a few steps from Campus Martius, a Qline stop, and a few blocks from the Riverwalk. My apartment is also less than 1 mile from my job at DTE. Downtown Detroit is a unique place to live because never stops changing. During the week, Downtown is buzzing with young professionals running from a coffee shop to work. On a game night, there are excited sports fans filling every bar patio. On the weekend, Downtown is overrun by dressed up suburbanites having a big night out on the town. On Sundays, Downtown is somber and returned to its residents for a lazy Sunday.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

I’ve learned so much from Challenge Detroit, I am not even sure where to start! To begin, I’ve learned how to put humans first. Design thinking has given me a different perspective that will shape my decisions in life and at work for the rest of my life. In addition, Challenge Detroit has taught me you can shape the future of a city without directly working for a city. Through Challenge Detroit I have had an opportunity to make an impact on public health, economic development, and sustainable development.

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

I work within Public Affairs at DTE Energy. DTE Energy is an energy utility company that provides gas and electric service to communities across the state of Michigan. In addition, DTE aspires to be a Force for Growth in the communities in which it works in and serves. This is an aspiration in which I wholeheartedly believe in and I am excited to be at a company that looks beyond profits. At DTE, I am the project manager for our Corporate Citizenship report. In this role, I manage the project timeline, facilitate our weekly cross-collaborative working meetings, and manage the GRI data collection. I really love the work I do and have developed by leaps and bounds professionally!

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

At DTE, I hope to make an impact on the culture of the company. I am actively working toward making DTE a more collaborative workplace by helping to facilitate collaboration across employees in different units. Within the city, I hope to impact the way corporations interact with and influence change in Detroit. There is an incredible amount of corporate giving in Detroit from big corporations like DTE, Rock Ventures, GM, Chase, and PWC and I want to ensure corporations are maximizing their positive impact by engaging residents in their decision-making processes.

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

The sun! I was born and raised in California and there is only so much of Michigan weather I can take. I survived the winter l but I am ready to feel the warm sun! I am also excited for all outside activities that are planned for the summer Downtown. I can’t wait to see the kids playing basketball in the middle of Downtown and to hang out at the beach at Campus Martius.

What do you envision for Detroit 10 years from now?

In 10 years, Detroit will be a more thriving and connected city. I hope there will be a more robust mass transit system with streetcars running along other major transit corridors like Jefferson and Gratiot. The Detroit Riverfront will be booming with visitors, residents, and shops.

To see more of  Yesenia’s experience in Detroit, check out her spotlight video below!