Participants
Meet the finalists!
We received more than 900 applications from talented individuals throughout the world and narrowed it down to just over 100 semi-finalists. We appreciate the over 17,000 individuals who voted for their favorite semi-finalists. Based on a review from our judges, the online community vote, and the input of our host companies, we have selected 66 Challenge Detroit finalists.
Click on the thumbnails below to meet these incredible individuals!
- Fatima Abdul-NabiPlayview my pitch
My Pitch
I am a passionate and team-oriented native New Yorker who visited Detroit two years ago and fell in love with the attitude and spirit Detroit encapsulates. My interests lie in all things urban, from the built environment to the people, especially Detroit-related. I want to be part of the revitalization team that thinks of new ways to design the city, a part of the community fabric and grassroots efforts to create change, and a Challenge Detroit member in order to live, work, and play in the D. - Aida Alvarado
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I am a learner and a believer. I feel that Detroit is entering a period of change, and I see the potential for enormous growth in the city. I want to give of my time and talents to help Detroit flourish and to help give the community further hope in its city. I don't shy away from challenges, and I am confident my abilities would be of great use in this initiative. It would be an honor to give back to the people of MI by reviving one of our greatest cities.
- Chris Atallah
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There is such a cultural explosion here and so much potential. It is already a great city but it will take dedicated businesse,individuals and organizations to make it better. I always want to do what I can for something I love and that is why I am participating in Challenge Detroit. When no one in my community stepped up to lead, I did. I was chosen as a candidate for State Representative at 21 years old because I wanted to make a difference in my community. I will do the same for Detroit.
- Vadim Avshalumov
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Passion: From the day I moved to Metro Detroit I was curious about its history & social dynamics. I am passionate about improving the city. Knowledge: I have studied Detroit's social, economic & cultural realities, & researched what other cities have done to improve their economies, empower their residents & thrive. Experience: I have worked enough in Detroit to realize one can't force their ideas on Detroiters. I pledge to collaborate with all stakeholders to gain consensus on my projects.
- Ryan Bator
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I have a passion for Detroit and its future. I dream big and think bigger. As a leader, I know when to pick up the ball and run with it; as a member of a team, I join forces to score. My mind overflows with new, innovative, outside-the-box ideas. I am a courageous man who isn't afraid to speak up when others keep silent. I'm determined to put my body, mind, and soul into this program. What Challenge Detroit needs to be a real success, I have.
- Betsy BerensPlayview my pitch
My Pitch
Detroit is a city with a reputation.Motor City. Rock City. Motown.Its dynamic population, stories and movements have always put the city in the limelight.But today's media has whittled down Detroit's story, presenting it as a ìposter cityî for the economic downturn.As a recent journalism graduate, I understand this sensationalism.As a Challenge Detroit candidate, I plan on countering it.Now is the time. Let's embrace Detroit's past, understand its present and develop a community-based future. - Zac Berlin
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Hello Detroit Community! My name is Zac Berlin. I grew up in a suburb of Detroit, and currently attend University of Michigan. I believe Detroit is the future. I want to be on the cutting edge of the energy flowing into the city, but I need your help to get my feet on the ground. My challenge is to be part of Detroit's challenge. My dream is to work with a community of innovators committed to recreate our city. We can make a difference. One individual, one community, one vote at a time.
- Jared Berman
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I chose Challenge Detroit to be challenged. Started a clothing company with my brother, a graphic designer at CCS, participated in Startup Weekend creating Treble.fm and pitching for funding from KickStarter. A mover and shaker and want to collaborate with incredible, talented, innovative thinkers pushing this revitalizing movement to the next level. Video should be 60mins to express my emotional ties to the city but I can say that Detroit attracts me like a magnet and I have too much to offer.
- Ali Beydoun
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It is only with the collaboration of cultures, socioeconomic classes, and the eclectic array of professions that anyone will bear witness to the comeback of Detroit. I'm a Lebanese-American, born and raised in Metro Detroit, and as such I have the culture and experience project seeks. As a recent grad, I have elected to take a year off before matriculating in medical school. This initiative is one of the greatest ways I could ever dedicate my year to giving back and making a difference.
- Elizabeth Bizer
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I am a recent University of Michigan grad working to build a career in giving back to the community. There's a unique drive and resilience in Detroit that is evident in many awesome programs and organizations; it only needs to be brought back into focus for the area to thrive again. I believe Challenge Detroit is a key project to revitalizing the City, and I want to be a part of the transformation. I have the ambition, enthusiasm and brains to make change happen, and I want to do it for Detroit.
- Brandon Block
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Five years of Architecture school has taken me around the world to 9 different countries. I believe in being a citizen architect, which means I have a responsibility to nudge, cajole, and inspire communities to challenge their status quo in order to make beautiful, livable, and sustainable communities that inspire social and economic change. I've led collaborative efforts to design and build 3 pro-bono projects that succeeded in promoting better design for the spaces and communities we inhabit.
- Samuel Brennan
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For Detroit to complete its revitalization a high level of collaboration between city and suburbs must be achieved. I have lived and worked in both the city and suburbs with City Year Detroit. I know the predominant views of each other are not necessarily good ones. Detroit is seeking to differentiate itself from other large cities. Having a thriving suburban-city relationship would be a huge step in that direction. I have the passion, experience, and understanding to lead that collaboration.
- Anthony BrownePlayview my pitch
My Pitch
I am a multifaceted candidate able to adapt to any challenge in life, work or community. I embrace change and seek to become much more than a job. Community, job and growth are equally important to me. I am not limited to any one skill set or career path, but rather I work for change and progress. I am confined by nothing. I am not a linear candidate. There is no box within which I think, work or play; no title above my head, no career that will bind me. I am Tony Browne; I am Challenge Detroit. - Stephen Campbell
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Detroit is the only city I've felt a serious personal stake in and everything I've done, from studying Criminal Justice at MSU to finishing my JD and Master of Environmental Law/Policy focusing on sustainable development, has been aimed toward working in service of it. During that time I've also worked with various state and county agencies, providing me significant experience I'd be privileged to be able to apply and believe would help me contribute greatly to the success of Detroit's revival.
- Jenny Chan
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Detroit and I share the same dream, birthday, and sky. It is a city built on the American dream: indomitable spirit and innovation! The Dream is still alive in Detroit, but hidden like a dragon in the water, just waiting to be reawakened! I believe that my creativity, ability, and leadership skills will be able to help revive its vibrancy and passion. I am Jenny Chan, an economist graduating from University of Illinois. I am excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity to Challenge Detroit!
- Charlie Corwin
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My background is in Regional and Community Planning, and my passion is helping neighborhoods reach their full potential. Exposing the opportunities that exist in your communities through old and new collaborative efforts that involve the public will be important to accomplish the many goals that have and will be created. With the ultimate idea of planning for a place where people want to stay, I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with you in the coming year and in the years to come.
- Irene Crile
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So many people have asked me what I want to do when I graduate and my answer is always the same...I don't know. It's because no matter what industry I found myself working in, my passion for helping and working with others always made me enjoy my job. I'm a hard working, perfectionist who always carries a great attitude and is willing to put forth the effort to do what it takes to truly make a difference in Detroit. We know this city is amazing and now it's time the rest of the world see it too!
- Gabriela Crowley
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Living across the street from Tiger Stadium in Corktown, I grew up hearing the echo of Ernie Harwell's broadcasts and the roar of the crowd whenever a home run was scored. Detroit is and always will be my happy place. I have so much pride and passion for this city and would love to be a part of Challenge Detroit. With new restaurants to non-profit programs, Detroit is alive and well, and I'm ready to show people just how great my city is. So, bring it on Detroit, I'm up for the challenge!
- Michael DeDitius
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Working for the revitalization of Detroit has been a lifelong aspiration of mine. Growing up in Mihigan I know the importance of a strong Detroit anchoring the state. I took many years off from college, in which time I traveled through Europe and SoutAfrica, and spent many years living in Boston. Yet I have been called back to Michigan and am excited by the entreprenurial spirit and the rapid evolution of Detroit. My experiences will have a direct impact on the momentum building in the city.
- Ryan Deters
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At 21, I have work and LIFE experience. Born in Michigan, I have also lived in Costa Rica, Colorado, and Spain. At Calvin College, I have engaged with classmates, professors, and local businesses like Wolverine Worldwide in consulting projects. I have worked in product marketing for Steelcase for the past two years. Each new experience brought new challenges and new learnings. Most importantly, I have a passion for making a difference. I am curious, creative, and will never stop learning.
- Caroline Dobbins
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I am Detroit's next Challenger. Raised in Albion, in a family business I know success comes only from working together. A team player, an individual and an organizer with the energy you seek. My marketing and social media expertise will connect Michigan and grow Detroit. I'm a half marathoner, triathlete and collegiate swimmer with the desire to excel. Detroit can be proud, revived, connected and on top, it is up to you, the community and me. I am Caroline DobbinsóI accept the challenge.
- Bryce Gamper
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I am committed to the next evolution of Detroit and with Challenge Detroit I want to work with the involved businesses and our strong creative community to re-brand Detroit, stop the ìbrain drainî and work to bring and keep young minds in the city, and help make Detroit an international player again. I am a professional, a problem solver, a creative, and I am Detroit. My name is Bryce Gamper and I humbly ask for your support to participate in Challenge Detroit and show off Detroit to the world!
- Caroline GerschPlayview my pitch
My Pitch
My legal work with Detroit's poor has instilled within me a passion to balance the inequities that are so pervasive in Southeast Michigan. I believe that most people in the suburbs surrounding Detroit are inherently good and truly have no comprehension of the injustice that occurs on a daily basis. My mission is to provide them with firsthand experience, to kick start their conscience, so that we may all see a better day and a brighter future. I hope that Challenge Detroit chooses to assist me. - Asia Gholston
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Ambitious media and communication young professional. Several years of event management. Managed BET Network's College Marketing rep program at 23 universities and achieving major success with social media campaigns for the network. Effective campus leader through community involvement. Planned and executed fundraisers for Adopt A Family Foundation. Avid D.O.C mentor and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Thriving advocate for the city of Detroit, ready to accept the challenge!
- Isaac Gilman
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I love Detroit. Studying urban planning at the University of Michigan allows me to work with Detroit and learn other revitalization techniques, land use strategies, and transportation tools that can be useful for the city. My desire to learn from the city began after I enrolled in my program, and thrived during my work in SW Detroit. I am passionate to invest all my energy into the city's future. Detroit offers a great opportunity for me to make a difference, and I am up for the challenge.
- Michael Gilmore
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As a dedicated native Detroiter, I would be honored to continue my humanitarian efforts through Challenge Detroit. I am preparing to graduate from Detroit Mercy Law School in May 2012 and I know Detroit can greatly benefit from my education, experience, and enthusiasm for the Motor City. During my time in law school, I was a member of the 2012 NBLSA Delegation to Haiti, Chair of the Cass Tech Moot Court Competition, intern to Congressman John Conyers, among other legal and volunteer positions.
- Katherine Girard
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No one knows Detroit better than the people who live it everyday. I want to be one of them. Challenge Detroit brings my passion for youth, sustainability and community development together. Dedicate a year, turn Detroit's potential into growth: an opportunity of a lifetime. I'm confident, responsible, passionate. A team player with a positive attitude. But I can't do it alone. That's what makes this so amazing. It's not just me. It's a team, the community, all of Detroit, taking the Challenge.
- Sarah Grieb
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Working at GreenThumb, the municipal community gardening program in NYC, I have seen how collaborations with other city agencies, individuals and non-profit organizations are crucial to our program and goals. Though my work, I learned how to identify new partnerships and expand on existing ones, and seen how groups with similar goals and tight budgets can accomplish so much more by working collaboratively. That's already happening in Detroit, so I think I'd fit right in.
- Darin Gross
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Until I began my DVP internship last summer, I was unsure of what direction I wanted to head post-graduation. Working in Detroit and seeing all the changes going on while working with start-up companies was a life changing experience. Instantly I was able to find the passion and direction I was seeking. The summer showed me how much opportunity Detroit has to grow and the high energy from the people that want to contribute. With my passion I know I can help make a better Detroit a reality.
- Benjamin Hershey
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As a young boy, I saw a pile of rubble in Dresden, Germany. The blackened stones of the Frauenkirche had been left as a symbol against war for nearly 50 years. Last summer I returned to Dresden on an urban planning study trip to find this church rebuilt as it was in 1743. What seemed a hopeless task during the Cold War became possible, thanks to a small group of enthusiasts that grew to thousands. This is my vision for Detroit, the rebirth of a rich and diverse past, a true Detroit renaissance.
- Shareece Homes
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Efficient hard worker in the field of consulting and analytics. Six years dedicated to negotiating, developing, and identifying trends and patterns into effective decision making. Seeking a analyst/consultant position promoting growth and opportunity in a challenging field for future advancement. Key Competencies include developing ongoing professional growth strategies, data analysis and quality assurance, event planning and management, business consulting, & personalized portfolio development
- Amanda Hurst
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Growing up in Michigan, Detroit was always museums, tall buildings and Detroit Tigers; it has always been a mystery. I watched the people of Detroit struggle through the recession and were better for it in the end. This inspired me to want to do more for the city that keeps Michigan alive. The heartbeat of Michigan should not be unexplored. My passion for Detroit makes up for what I might lack in experience against another applicant and my enthusiasm and drive make me a vital part to any team.
- Madalyn Knebel
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I can translate my design skills to help fuel the rebirth of Detroit, a mission I am extremely passionate about. I feel that Challenge Detroit's goals tie directly to my own duty as a designer, which is to create positive change within communities and to solve problems. I want to pour my soul into this as I have been searching for a way to connect with more residents because feel this is my calling. I am incredibly blessed to be living in this metropolis because it is exhilarating to give back.
- Cornetta Lane
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My degree in Near Eastern Studies has cultivated an appreciation for cultures that are misperceived, especially in the media. I devoted 1-year of my life to over 1,100 hours of community service in Detroit to change the perception of my community. Although a long term goal, I intend to teach our children about the importance of keeping our community clean. Our work as citizens of Detroit starts at early age so as to develop pride in our community and to attract others to the beauty of Detroit.
- Bithiah LeePlayview my pitch
My Pitch
Look around you. America is hurting. But look again, and you will see rising up from the depths of broken cities strong fighters, who will rally together to fight for the better tomorrow that they believe is coming. I have seen, heard, and tasted the city of Detroit. I see hope, I hear determination, and I have tasted a beautiful community. Detroit has a bright future, and I am excited to journey alongside with you to creatively rebuild it. I believe in the D, and I am up for the challenge! - Christian Little
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My name is Christian Little and I am a senior at the University of Michigan.My major is Social Theory and Practice with a concentration in Educational Development. I believe that an education is the key to building a strong community with progressive, engaged and positive members. Detroit is an amazing city and the children of Detroit deserve the best education possible. With my dedication to Detroit, hard-working spirit and unyielding drive to create change I know that I will make a difference.
- Alesyn McCall
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Some of the most talented people in the world came from Detroit. They were raised the city but when faced with the decision to come back home after graduating college, they left; citing there were too few opportunities here to live the life they wanted to lead. It was that truth that made me want to be different and return to Detroit all of my experiences, education and encouragement to uplift self and community. I love to create visual media and work in and with my community to enact growth.
- Megan McClellan
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My name is Megan McClellan and I want to follow in my grandmother's footsteps of living, working, and playing in a city she loved - Detroit. I moved to New York from Southeast Michigan to pursue my goal of creating after-school and summer programs for low-income communities. I receive my Master of Education from Columbia University in May, and hope to strengthen communities through youth development. There is no better place to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm than back to my hometown, Detroit.
- Andrew McUsic
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When Pharma giant Pfizer left its 2M sq.ft. Ann Arbor facility in 2007, SE Michiganders did what they do best: they knocked aside their fears and seized an opportunity. Human capital is now the most-needed resource for Detroit to be the next center for biomedical innovation. But it won't just be the next center; it will be the new epicenter. As a Challenge Detroiter, I'll put my PhD to work alongside others, doing whatever it takes to advance how we understand and heal those who need it most.
- Jessica Meyer
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Since I moved here, my passion has become this city. The people of Detroit have shown me that perseverance means never giving up when others have, that courage is facing the unknown with your head held high, that compassion is continuing to love through the pain, that community is the strongest defense against life, and that sacrifice is something you should proudly control. This city has given me so much of itself already that I can only begin to repay it by accepting this ëChallenge'.
- Ashley Middleton
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Hello Challenge Detroit! My name is Ashley Middleton and I think I would be a valuable asset to 'Challenge Detroit' because I have the energy, innovative ideas and passion to help Detroit preserve. I live my day to day with this motto in mind (acquired from a song from Sufjan Steven's album, ìMichiganî): I want Detroit to lift up it's weary head! Let me help rebuild and restore you!
- Myles Morgan
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Call me a ìrenaissance psychologistî. Through psychology I want to help people reach their fullest potential. I have been unlocking doors in my own psyche to grow into a more dynamic man. I try to derive the maximum benefit from every relationship, experience, and challenge. I am able to extend that skill beyond myself to help others. I want to bring the community along for the ride and help it grow towards its potential. Today, the strength of the Detroit community is the key to success.
- Amanda Moyer
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Detroit is a city founded by makers. I am a maker and creative thinker. My love for Detroit and my interests in art, reuse and sustainable design will bring a unique perspective to the Challenge Detroit Team. As this team brings growth and change to the city of Detroit, I want to make sure design is at the forefront of those changes. Art and Design are the keys to ensure Detroit will become not only beautiful and functional, but also a place which inspires the world.
- Barret Mueller
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A vivacious skyline. A fervent community. This is the Detroit I envision. However, it all comes down to choice. My parents made a choice in adopting me. Reflecting upon their selfless decision, I too am making a choice. In college I witnessed the calamities that impeded Detroit from reaching its full potential. I saw the hardships of the economic crisis affect the State, which further impassioned me. I am loyal to Detroit and want to see this spectacular community reach its potential.
- Sean O' Morrow
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From every setback we grow stronger. Wiser. We read about Detroit's dismissible past and begin to think that it doesn't have a future. I strongly believe that is not true. We need capable workers in Detroit with creative minds and dirt under their fingernails. We need business owners who teach their employees the skills necessary to launch their own successful ventures. Integrity, innovation, and a can-do work ethic are needed to make this city great again. I am ready with rolled up sleeves.
- April Pagnani
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Having a background in secondary English education and promotional marketing, I have had the opportunity to develop my creativity and leadership skills in a number of collaborative projects. My experiences in teaching, coaching, and managing have taught me that, no matter how big or small a project, hard work, attention to detail, and enthusiasm will lead the way to getting the job done. The best way to make a venture successful is to believe in it, and I believe in Challenge Detroit!
- Maryann Palazzolo
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A top-performing Environmental Science Major with over six years of experience in administrative assistant positions. Solid inter-disciplinary background in land use planning, small business planning, & constitutional law. Well versed in streamlining organization & communication. Experience overseeing teams & delegating tasks as well as problem solving on an individual basis. Highly motivated & results driven individual with a passion for nature, remedying cognitive dissonance & tactful debates.
- John Parrish
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After serving in the U.S. Army as an NCO, I used the G.I. Bill to go back to school and earned a Master of Science in Urban Planning at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in Germany. My leadership skills, technical know-how and international experience can be applied towards energizing community and business development. If selected to participate in Challenge Detroit, I plan to explore the idea of establishing a "veteran sponsored community" similar to the model in Oliver, Baltimore.
- Jason Rose
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What do fund raisers, tax preparers, wildland firefighters, camp counselors, writers, distance runners, tour guides, journalists, and house builders have in common? Aside from being different, they are all roles I have assumed and excelled at. This wide variety of jobs reflects a wide variety of interests and passions. Essential are the abilities to learn quickly, adapt, and collaborate - abilities which I would love to bring to Detroit in an effort to help revitalize the city.
- Shauna Rushing
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My baseline is that every person is valuable & of equal worth. Injustice happens when one person or group believes they are better than another. I make it my business to advocate for love, equality & reconciliation & to stand firmly against discrimination & injustice. Positive and lasting change requires uniting together, thinking creatively, & acting courageously. I plan to do that by joining Detroit's countless unsung heroes who are fighting for and believing in their great city everyday.
- Whitney Sage
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I would be a uniquely valuable candidate for the Challenge Detroit program because of my art, design, and teaching background. As a practicing artist, I approach all of my endeavors from a creative and unconventional perspective. With my extensive teaching experience, I can successfully work and communicate well within a team or department setting as well as with organizations and community outreach. Most importantly, I am passionate about contributing to what I see as Detroit's bright future.
- B. Amber SandersPlayview my pitch
My Pitch
I am Brittany Sanders and I am up for the challenge! Three reasons why: (Passionate) about the city of Detroit. (Inventive) with experience creating programs and a specialization in turning concept into action. (Hard-working) and ready to work with my team and city leaders to roll up my sleeves and get the job done. This is a social movement that will bring significant positive change to the city. I want in. Detroit deserves this "Detroit needs this" and I'm beyond ready to help Detroit get this! - Dana SchostakPlayview my pitch
My Pitch
I believe young leaders are the future of Detroit. I am an ideal candidate for Challenge Detroit because I am eager to contribute, determined, organized, easy to work with and a quick learner. My readiness to work with people and revive our community has driven me to want to make a difference. I have a strong desire to work with colleagues to create a positive impact for those in need and I am determined to turn Detroit, my home, back into the thriving city that it once was. - James Serbinski
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To participate in Challenge Detroit would be a dream. This program will thrive with this city. It's all centered around community, and bringing the city up through those who live and work in it. Being part of a team to accomplish something bigger then the group is extraordinary. This experience will teach me about Detroit, and shed light to the help I can provide. Reaching out to your neighbors creates a sense of community, and builds bonds that last a lifetime. I'd like to call Detroit my home.
- Jacqueline Smith
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Place a native Detroiter with 5 years of International experience downtown. Combine with a recently awarded double Masters degree in Local Economic Development and Global Studies. Stir in a heaping spoonful of team spirit and collaborative success. Marinate in a well-seasoned stock of passion, humor, creativity and drive. Add a dash of civil society advocacy, leadership and quirkiness. Let live, work, play and give for one year. Yields: a lively, hopeful, sustainable Detroit. Bon Appetit!
- Crystal Staffney
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"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. "My abilities have allowed me to be great in everything I do. I am an exceptional communicator with the skills to successfully convey verbal and written information. My analytical thinking has confirmed my talent for recognizing, analyzing, refining and restructuring compound work procedures. And with a background in multiple areas,I am the well-rounded individual you want on your team.
- Marlo Staples
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With the lowest performing major housing market in the nation (Clear Capital) and a high school graduation rate of 62% in 2011 (Crain Detroit), education and housing are heavily weighted in the equation of Detroit's success. Connecting my skills and experiences with the needs of Detroit, I am confident that my analytical writing and research abilities, along with my willingness to work in partnership with others would make me a valuable addition to the selected fellows and involved employers.
- Amy Swift
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Sometimes you have to leave a place to realize that you had it pretty good. My story is just that. I was born and raised in SE Michigan. After undergrad I left to find the urban lifestyle I didn't think was possible here. Years spent living and traveling in the world's major cities taught me much about what it takes to create and maintain vibrant and livable urban places, but nowhere felt like home. Home is where your heart is, and after all my global wandering my heart has never left Detroit.
- Elizabeth Szurpicki
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I am personally invested in Detroit. I am a born, raised and educated Michigan native. I have spent the past 6 months working as an Archeworks student on the revitalization of an historic district in Chicagoland, developing community engagement and placemaking skills that would serve as a valuable asset to any revitalization efforts. I am a creative with strong belief in the goals of efforts such as Challenge Detroit, and would be thrilled and inspired to be a part of the process.
- Cerima Thomas
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I'm currently a Senior attending the University at Albany; Majoring in Information Science, minoring in Computer Science and Business. I'm also a part of two organizations on campus Pi Sigma Epsilon fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority. These two organizations enhance my leadership skills in the community.Within the past two years I have accumulated more than 200 hours in community service. I love helping others and watching people grow, giving back is the most satisfying feeling in the world.
- Kathy Tian
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My name is Kathy Tian and I am new to Detroit. Although I have lived and worked in cities across the globe, I have come to truly respect Detroit for its spirit, humor, and strength of will. While serving with City Year and working with our students and partners, I have developed a relationship with Detroit that inspires me to lend my creative energy, network, and determination to put Detroit back where it should be: the top. I know we are scheduled for a comeback. Detroit is ready -- so am I!
- Leigh Ann Ulrey
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At the core of my decision making is how my actions will affect the people and environment around me. Uncontrollable growth and an influx of any and all people is not the solution to Detroit's development. Detroit needs to promote and attract individuals and companies who will create responsible business that can benefit those who suffer the most. I want to begin working towards creating a business that enhances the community and that hires individuals marginalized from the hiring sector.
- Benjamin Williams
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As a native Detroiter, I've made it my life goal to launch educational, theatrical, and multi-media outreach initiatives that focus on the revitalization and retention of Detroit's economy, artistic environment, and social culture. I envision Challenge Detroit as a premier catalyst program to train, give, and gain imperative wisdom and social capital to lead Detroit into the new era. My life, academic background, and work history have prepared me for the Challenge. I'm ready to go to work!
- Laura Willming
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Detroit is where my greatest memories are. My heart is in this industrial city, it's why I'm committing to a life there after graduation. Maybe I'm young, naive, and down right stupid enough to try to do this-but maybe that's why I am perfect for Challenge Detroit. There's opportunity to explore and innovate with the people that have populated the area, a chance to be able to create and explore. My ideas are humble next to my big ambitions. I think Detroit is the perfect place to explore them.
- Lexi Zimmerman
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My purpose is to inspire others to achieve more then they think they are capable of. I do this by working extremely hard to make doubtful outcomes not only possible but inevitable. As an agent of change I believe in balancing the satisfaction of personal action while simultaneously pursuing dreams that are too big. I find happiness by diving into the details of the process: I find ambition by never being satisfied with the results. I want to be one of the agents of change that inspires Detroit.
- Jason Zogg
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I am an urban planner. What is that? It is thinking holistically, long term, strategically, big and small. Urban planning sits at many intersections: architecture, economics, infrastructure, public health, policy, safety, politics, real estate, sustainability, and most of all ñ people. It is not about creating utopia. It is creating livable, thriving, loved places of value. We start by working in reverse. Share a vision or story of a Detroit you love in 2050 and we can set a course to arrive.
