Company: Beaumont Health System

Where are you originally from? Dearborn, MI

Where did you live most recently? Dearborn, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Michigan

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: My leadership experience is exemplified through several accomplishments, including the prestigious Eagle Scout ranking; serving as a delegate to the Arab Student Association and the Lebanese Student Association; serving as a mentor to middle and high school students in southwest Detroit’ and most importantly, being a role model to my younger siblings.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? My entire life has and will continue to revolve around the great city of Detroit. Our family has been in business here for over 25 years, I tutor and mentor students and enjoy sports games and theatrical performances, I attended school, performed clinical research, and volunteered my time to the terminally ill -- all here in Detroit.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? Challenge Detroit is the first initiative of this caliber that is focused on the young and driven and dedicated to the revitalization of Detroit. Being a part of this inaugural group is an opportunity for me to do the most good while partaking in a unique experience only endowed to 30 privileged individuals across the nation with similar passion.

What are your interests and/or what makes you unique? I'm a Lebanese-American born and raised in Metro Detroit with varying interests and hobbies -- some of which include sports, aviation, philanthropy, medicine, and entrepreneurship."

Company: ePrize

Where are you originally from? Detroit, MI

Where did you live most recently? Lansing, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Michigan State University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Science in Media Communication & Technology

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I managed BET Network's college marketing rep program at 23 universities; planned and executed fundraisers for Adopt- A-Family Foundation; have been an avid D.O.C mentor; and participated as an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I am compelled to live, work, play and, most importantly, give in the City of Detroit because Detroit is the city that raised me. I couldn't imagine working and helping any other community but the one that made me who I am.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited about being selected as of the 30 because I was aware of all the wonderful applicants who applied and had so much to bring to the program. I am excited to take advantage of the opportunity and prove that I deserve my spot.

What makes you unique? My personal interest and hobbies include mentoring, shopping, traveling, eating, singing and dancing (when no one is looking of course).

Company: HiredMyWay.com

Where are you originally from? Dayton, OH

Where did you live most recently? Columbus, OH

What is the most recent university you attended? The Ohio State University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: My leadership experience has led me to achieve a number of positions including treasurer of the largest community service group in the Knowlton School of Architecture, and a 2011 Student Diplomat of the Year.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I am compelled to live, work, play and give in Detroit because it is the most fascinating urban area in the world from a city planning standpoint.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants because I get to be a part of the restructuring of one of the most interesting urban areas in the world.

What are your interests and/or what makes you unique? I have an intense passion for travel and adventure which has taken me to over 25 cities throughout 12 countries in the past two years.

Company: Marketing Associates

Where are you originally from? Elm Grove, WI

Where did you live most recently? Madison, WI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Wisconsin

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication / Certificate in Business

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I have had some amazing opportunities to lead strategic communication and marketing initiatives at different organizations. This past year, I helped redesign and restructure an environmental non-profit's website and revamp its external communications strategy. I loved it!

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I think the evolution of Detroit, particularly throughout the last century, is fascinating and I'm thrilled to be a part of the city's energetic new era.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? The energy during the Challenge Detroit interview trip in May was incredible. I am so humbled to join such a dynamic group of individuals who are interested in advancing their careers and the city.

What makes you unique? I grew up in a pretty big family! I have two lovely parents: Dick and Molly; four brothers: Andy, Charlie, Billy and John; seven sisters: Maggie, Addie, Mary Kate, Emily, Nora, Bridget and Ellie; and my dog, Murphy.

Company: Valassis

Where are you originally from? South Lyon, MI

Where did you live most recently? Ann Arbor, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Michigan

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, Political Science, and Global Media Studies

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: There is no greater reward than watching a team of diverse people come together to learn together, become friends, share experiences, utilize knowledge, work together, and eventually achieve a common goal.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I have experienced how beautiful Detroit truly is – its people, its land, its culture – and I am excited to experience more of the city by living, working, playing, and serving!

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I feel excited and so privileged to be a Challenge Detroit participant this year because of both my heart for the City of Detroit and for the unique, fresh, innovative idea of the actual program itself.

What makes you unique? Having moved and traveled around a lot all over the world, I have such an appreciation, enjoyment, understanding, and immense love for different cultures, and I am always up for great adventures and trying new things!

Company: Focus Hope

Where are you originally from? Detroit, MI

Where did you live most recently? Nashville, TN

What is the most recent university you attended? Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business); Spelman College

What was your field of study and degree? Master in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing / Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: In my most recent role as Business Analyst at Daymon Worldwide, I developed and maintained relationships with our supplier partners and effectively increased supplier reporting by over 100%.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I am compelled to live, work, play and give in Detroit because Detroit is my home and a city that has a lot to offer; there will be no perception shifts of Detroit on a national scale if the positive things occurring here are never highlighted.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? The following quote sums up why I am ELATED to be one of the 30: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

What makes you unique? In one year, I climbed Table Mountain in South Africa, the Great Wall in China, and visited the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) in Dubai.

Company: Spire Integrated Systems, Inc .

Where are you originally from? Royal Oak, MI

Where did you live most recently? White Lake, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Lawrence Technological University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I grew into leadership through my experience in the American Institute of Architecture Students, serving as Events Coordinator, Vice President, and as President. I now currently serve as the outgoing Midwest Quadrant Director, overseeing 13 states of AIAS chapters and mentoring our future leaders, while serving on the Board of Directors for the national office.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? As an architecture student, I have done lots of work in Detroit for different projects and I have participated in many city community service projects as well. I see so much potential in our city and I am passionate about being a part Detroit's new history that we have started to create.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? Being a part of Challenge Detroit is such an honor. The program is helping to bring together new young talent in our city, and by bringing these young leaders together we will be able to do so many more things together. Collaborating with others who love Detroit as much as I do is what makes me so excited about Challenge Detroit and is the main reason I am confident that we can make a difference!

What makes you unique? I am an explorer and naturally curious, I seek out new experiences; I love to hike, kayak, bike.... I am passionate about leadership and attend various leadership conferences to educate myself further on how to become a better leader and to hear other's stories about their experiences.

Company: Trott & Trott

Where are you originally from? Clarkston, MI

Where did you live most recently? Grosse Pointe Park, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Wayne State University

What was your field of study and degree? Juris Doctorate (Law) from Wayne State University / Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Michigan School of Professional Psychology / Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Michigan

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: This past year I worked as chairperson of Wayne State Law School's Free Legal Aid Clinic, Inc. overseeing all aspects of legal services provided to poor and indigent residents of Wayne County.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? Even though I hail from the suburbs, Detroit has always been the focus of my social, cultural, and professional aspirations; that remains true to this day.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? That I was selected from such a deep and talented pool of applicants is not only a great honor, but a great responsibility; I am enthusiastic and grateful to have received this opportunity for which so many applied.

What makes you unique? As a graduate of the Roeper School, I benefit from an education rich in humanities and interpersonal relations. I also enjoy backpacking, gardening, barefoot running, and curling up with a good book.

Company: Macro Connect

Where are you originally from? Brooklyn, NY

Where did you live most recently? Brooklyn, NY

What is the most recent university you attended? University at Albany - SUNY

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Information Science with a minor in computer science and business

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I work hard to help out the future of our tomorrow by volunteering and coaching.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I believe in uplifting our communities near and far.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I'm honored to be a part of the first Challenge Detroit group and to be granted a chance to be involved in such a wonderful experience with wonderful people.

What makes you unique? I was raised as an only child in a single father household. I love spending my time volunteering and shopping; my hobbies are web design, making jewelry and anything that has to do with music, dance or art.

Company: HiredMyWay.com

Where are you originally from? Albion, MI

Where did you live most recently? Ann Arbor, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Albion College

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelors of Arts in Economics and Management with a minor in communication studies

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I have organized successful campus philanthropy events, held an executive position in my Greek Sorority (Delta Gamma) and was selected as senior captain on my collegiate swim team.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I believe that Detroit has the potential to be renewed and thriving and I want to be a part of the dynamic change that is and will be happening in the city.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I see being a participant in Challenge Detroit as a privilege, one that I accept with the utmost honor and I am eager to work with such dynamic individuals to truly make a difference in the city that has the power to make great things happen.

What makes you unique? I enjoy a challenge having been a competitive swimmer since age 4, a half marathon runner, and a triathlete as well as a violinist. I enjoy crafting, baking and cooking and sharing all of the above with my family and friends. I also bring my love of a challenge to the world of social media and marketing.

Company: United Way

Where are you originally from? Detroit, MI

Where did you live most recently? Detroit, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Wayne State University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern Studies

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: One key component of leadership that I have learned is open-mindedness, which creates an atmosphere of creativity.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I am passionate about my city, and if there is a way to improve it, while having fun, I'm game!

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am thrilled to have met people from all walks of life who have the same love and appreciation for Detroit as I do, and I'm excited to be among creative minds to make a difference.

What makes you unique? I love learning new languages; so far, I have learned Mandarin Chinese, French, Hebrew and Arabic.

Company: Market Place Homes

Where are you originally from? Farmington Hills, MI

Where did you live most recently? East Lansing, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Michigan State University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelors of Arts in Finance

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I will be leading my team to build a successful business over this summer.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? Detroit is my hometown and I feel now more than ever it has the most opportunities available.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I felt this job fit me perfectly, and when I was offered the job I saw I was right and felt very accomplished!

What makes you unique? I have worked in many start-ups this past year, seeing how the process works from start to end.

Company: DSM / DEP Americas

Where are you originally from? Troy, MI

Where did you live most recently? Mount Pleasant, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Central Michigan University

What was your field of study and degree? Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Sport Administration / Bachelor of Applied Arts in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I've had the opportunity to work with some highly talented and knowledgeable individuals who have taught me a great deal about working with and leading others.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? Detroit is evolving and I hope to play a part in shaping its future by inspiring others to get involved in the city.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I'm honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to work with 29 other vibrant individuals who want to help the City of Detroit thrive as much as I do!

What makes you unique? I love any sort of live music and have a secret passion for do-It-yourself home projects.

Company: Billhighway

Where are you originally from? Ridgewood, NJ

Where did you live most recently? Ann Arbor, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Michigan; Hobart and William Smith Colleges

What was your field of study and degree? Master of Urban Planning / Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and American Science

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I was the chair of two successful events over the last year: the Student Michigan Association of Planning Conference, hosted at Wayne State University, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Urban Planning Committee Symposium, hosted at the University of Michigan, Taubman College.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I love Detroit, and I hope to give back to the city that I love by being a standout resident, successful ambassador, and future philanthropist

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am pumped to collaborate with 29 other individuals from different backgrounds all trying to create change and facilitate greatness in the same city, Detroit!

What makes you unique? It's hard to describe my background, interests, or hobbies in one sentence, but I love to cook, be active, try everything, give back to those who offered me opportunities, and ultimately, live life to the fullest.

Company: Urban Science

Where are you originally from? Royal Oak, MI

Where did you live most recently? Royal Oak, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Freiburg, Germany

What was your field of study and degree? Master of Social Science: Global Studies Program, Master in Development, Innovation and Change / Bachelor of Arts in International and Comparative Political Science and German

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: Some highlights of my leadership experiences include working as a Resident Assistant at Western Michigan University, working with children as a camp counselor at Interlochen Fine Arts Camp, teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea and working within an international team to organize and facilitate a week long conference in Berlin, Germany.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? There is no other place in America where I would rather be right now. I know that I can make an impact in Detroit and wanted to come back home and do something important after having lived outside of the country for so long. Detroit is at a turning point and I want to be a part of it.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited to have been selected for Challenge Detroit because this is the avenue in which revolution can spark, it is an opportunity to work with a group of dynamic and more importantly diverse people who are all committed to the same goal of doing something big, a chance in which the power of people is valued and respected.

What makes you unique? On a shoestring budget I have managed to spend five out of the past nine years living, studying and working on four different continents. I also enjoy cooking, reading, listening to NPR and riding my bicycle.

Company: Brooks Kushman

Where are you originally from? Stafford, VA

Where did you live most recently? Stafford, VA

What is the most recent university you attended? Virginia Tech University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: My leadership experience has mainly come through clubs and organizations, such at Boy Scouts of America and our Sustainable Land Development Club at Virginia Tech.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? It will be thrilling to learn the ins and outs of Detroit while working to support their economy, and ultimately listening and learning from those who live in Detroit to help the needs of the city.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? We are all dreaming big for Detroit and going all in for a city even though some out there have their doubts, it will not stop our hearts.

What makes you unique? I come from a military family (Dad is retired after 20 plus years in the Navy) where I am the youngest of four with a passion for anything Virginia Tech related (just like any other fellow Hokie). I also love being active outdoors, enjoy playing/watching sports and dream of competitive racing in the future.

Company:Mango Languages

Where are you originally from? Farmington Hills, MI

Where did you live most recently? East Lansing, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Michigan State University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Finance and International Business

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience:I manage a clothing company and organize community programs in East Lansing called Local Mic Night, a monthly open mic event.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I am excited to play a real role in the renaissance taking place in Detroit.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited about being a crucial part of such a program that will last for future generations.

What makes you unique? I am an entrepreneur who sees a network as our net worth and strives to collaborate on projects with like-minded individuals

Company: Team Detroit

Where are you originally from? Mason City, IA; Louisburg, KS

Where did you live most recently? Colorado Springs, CO

What is the most recent university you attended? William Woods University

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Science in Communications (Journalism) and English (Creative Writing)

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I've gotten pretty awesome opportunities in leadership, including captaincy of cross country and track teams throughout my education career, presidency of an English honor society, managing editor of the college newspaper, and a ten-month stint with AmeriCorps.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? In only brief visits, I've grown fond of Detroit - I love the midtown and downtown areas and am ecstatic to live there. I'm stoked about the company I'm placed with, I look forward to the activities the city has to offer, and I feel very fortunate to be included in an already-rolling revitalization movement.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? Being one of the participants is pretty surreal - I was overwhelmed at how great and capable the other finalists are, so to be chosen out of that group gives you this incredible excitement to be in the city.

What makes you unique? I like a lot of things - music, running, writing, reading, concerts, traveling, backpacking, biking, helping, hiking, coffee, caffeine, road trips, talking, not talking, attempting to play guitar, baseball, ultimate frisbee, good food and drink, being barefoot, tennis, trails, disc golf, the mountains, climbing, and almost anything with caramel in it.

Company: DTE Energy

Where are you originally from? Albany, NY

Where did you live most recently? Providence, RI

What is the most recent university you attended? University at Albany - SUNY

What was your field of study and degree? Masters in Regional Planning (MRP) / Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Political Science with a concentration in business

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: In the past four years, I won a national outstanding planning student award, have been appointed to several national and local committees (TRB, City of Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee), helped organize a national planning conference, presented at 6 national and local conferences on several topics, and developed test questions for the new Transportation AICP exam, all while performing the pilot LEED certification of a national building prototype, writing some of the first sustainability plans for U.S. airports, leading the public outreach process for a major planning project, and developing one of the first quantitative electric vehicle infrastructure siting methodologies. [Specialties include planning, graphic design, sustainability, transportation, energy, electric vehicles, public outreach.]

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? My mission is to create cities, organizations, buildings, or transportation systems that are socially vibrant, economically viable, environmentally responsible - I see enormous potential in Detroit to achieve this, creating a global model - a place of lasting value for our urban future.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? It is a privilege to be a part of the final 30 and it will be exciting to witness what we do. Rarely in life do we ever have the opportunity to bring together 30 brilliant, creative, entrepreneurial, optimistic, dedicated, ambitious people all of whom believe in the potential of one place - imagine what we can achieve.

What makes you unique? Aside from my primary passion in life which is traveling, my most unique interest is my love of mid-century Modernism (the architecture, furniture, graphic design of the great Modernists - especially concrete buildings – evidenced by my membership in DoCoMoMo.)

Company: Cornerstone Charter Schools

Where are you originally from? North America!

Where did you live most recently? Ferndale, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Toronto

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: Through my experience working with people of highly diverse backgrounds, interests, and challenges, I have learned to take a leadership role that emphasizes communication and goal-sharing in order to achieve the best outcome for all.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? Serving as a City Year Corps Member working in low-resource schools around Detroit has taught me the resilience and latent potential in Detroit, and my students have inspired me to give my all to revitalize the city and ensure their future!

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited to work with Challenge Detroit in order to create and execute ideas to bring Detroit back to positive attention, as well as to work with Cornerstone Charter Schools to develop programming to benefit Detroit's youth.

What makes you unique? I have lived, studied, worked, and played in three different countries and many cities, gaining experiences that have allowed me to observe a variety of cultures and organizations. These, combined with my passion for social justice, have taught me a unique appreciation for the art of observation and the importance of seeking understanding.

Company: Compuware

Where are you originally from? The Woodlands, TX

Where did you live most recently? Detroit, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Kalamazoo College

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in women's studies

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: The highlight of my leadership experiences has been making positive cultural impacts on the environments in which I live and work to fight against discrimination and violence.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? Now is the time for Detroit to grow and I am drawn to being part of a city that has the unique opportunity to become a city unlike any other in the country.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited to be working with 29 energetic and passionate young people who are ready to jump into Detroit, all while finding my place and getting to know the city.

What makes you unique? After being born in a car on a chilly Oklahoma afternoon, I moved six times before middle school, two times overseas and now I love to travel, camp, work in gardens, and spend time outdoors.

Company: New Urban Learning / University YES Academy

Where are you originally from? Detroit, MI

Where did you live most recently? Grosse Pointe, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Mount Holyoke College

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: Passionate about education, my leadership experiences have included working at the Mount Holyoke College Office of Admission conducting interviews for the college and leading college access workshops for low-income first-generation college students in western Massachusetts.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? To me Detroit is home; a place filled with history, love and hope.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited about being a Challenge Detroit participant because remarkable things take place when passionate, hard-working and focused people come together for a common purpose.

What makes you unique? I am a Michigander and Mount Holyoke College graduate who loves to drink tea, play the violin and museum hop.

Company: Mans Lumber

Where are you originally from? Rochester Hills, MI

Where did you live most recently? Asheville, NC

What is the most recent university you attended? Warren Wilson College

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in policy

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: In college, I utilized my outreach experience to organize a carpooling campaign at my school.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? Growing up in the Detroit area, I have so much pride for the city that historically has been one of the most influential American cities socially and economically. That feeling of pride is ubiquitous in Detroit, so I know that Detroit will continue to be an important city.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am excited about exploring and learning in a city as culturally rich and diverse as Detroit, but most of all, I am excited about collaborating and developing friendships with my fellow Challenge Detroiters.

What makes you unique? My college experience attending Warren Wilson College, a small liberal arts school nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains inhabiting an organic farm, an eccentric student body and staff, a triad education model, and rivers to play in, was unique and allowed me to learn a variety of skills beyond the traditional college education.

Company: Edward C. Levy

Where are you originally from? Northville, MI

Where did you live most recently? Detroit, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? Kalamazoo College

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: In all of my leadership experiences, the highlights have always been in the relationships that I formed and the ideas exchanged with the people I worked with.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I am compelled to make Detroit my home because seeing and learning about the changes happening in the city has given me a strong obligation to be a part of the revitalization happening in Detroit.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I am so excited to be a part of Challenge Detroit which gives me the opportunity to continue my service to the city and work with a great company, Edward C. Levy.

What makes you unique? I have lived all over Michigan, enjoy traveling and backpacking, and am currently a member of the Detroit Mechanix, a professional Ultimate Frisbee team.

Company: Chrysler

Where are you originally from? Ann Arbor, MI

Where did you live most recently? Brooklyn, NY

What is the most recent university you attended? City University of New York - Hunter College

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I love having the opportunity to work with and learn from people from different places, backgrounds and ages whom I might not have met otherwise

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? After attending the US Social Forum in Detroit in 2010, I met a lot of people who were doing amazing things in the city and I couldn't shake the feeling that I should be there.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I couldn't ask for a better homecoming and I feel like I have the chance to fulfill my potential in my home state.

What makes you unique? I'm one of six children and I enjoy: making people laugh (I've even dabbled in stand up comedy), traveling (took my first solo trip in Eastern Europe when I was 17), drawing, sewing, photography, cooking and my dog Rhoda.

Company: Quicken Loans

Where are you originally from? Azerbaijan, Israel and Southfield, MI

Where did you live most recently? West Bloomfield, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Michigan

What was your field of study and degree? Master of Urban Planning

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience:I lead a group of teens as a youth advisor for a Jewish youth group.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? I want to be part of the transformation.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I want to be part of the transformation.

What makes you unique? I have lived in a wide range of cities from Baku Azerbaijan and Haifa Israel, to Detroit, New York City, London, and most recently Ann Arbor. Throughout this constant uprooting – or perhaps because of it – I developed a cosmopolitan perspective on the intricacies of cities and the leaders who mold cities into what they are today.

Company: Credit Acceptance

Where are you originally from? Farmington Hills, MI

Where did you live most recently? Farmington Hills, MI

What is the most recent university you attended? University of Michigan

What was your field of study and degree? Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy

Tell us about highlights of your leadership experience: I have held the following leadership positions during college: Editor-in-chief of Consider Magazine, Co-chair of the 22nd Annual Golden Apple Awards, Consultant and fellow at Tamid Investments, Counsel and elected representative of LSA Student Government at University of Michigan.

Why are you compelled to live, work, play, and give in Detroit? To be part of something bigger than yourself has always been appealing to me.

Why are you excited about being selected as one of the 30 Challenge Detroit participants out of the hundreds who applied? I feel more honored than excited to be selected as one of the 30 participants, and I'm thrilled to be part of the Challenge Detroit program. We have an incredible opportunity to be on the cutting-edge of creating one of the best places in the world. There are philanthropists, business leaders, and public officials all making the revitalization of Detroit a top priority. All that's missing is the next generation of leaders. Challenge Detroit helps to fill this gap, and I am honored to be included with this talented, distinguished community.

What makes you unique? Storyteller, policy wonk, entrepreneur.