I live, work, play, give and lead in Detroit. I am a Challenge Detroit Fellow.
A year ago, around this time, I submitted my second application to participate in the collaborative program, Challenge Detroit. I read a brief description during my research about new programs engaging recent graduates with Detroit’s urban revitalization. I particularly liked Challenge Detroit for its multidisciplinary approach to tackling city-wide issues. Multiple host companies ranging from non-profits to major corporations host the fellows for four days a week for an entire year. In our roles we serve as young professionals supporting a variety of industries. I work with my amazing host company, Rock Ventures. On Fridays, fellows participate in four-five week social impact projects called team challenges, designed to contribute to the well-being of the Detroit community, generating awareness about issues and opportunities that exist here.
The program continues to engage fellows with the community through its five pillars: Live, Work, Play, Give, and Lead. So far each pillar continues to be rooted in me as I continue to discover the city through my host company and fellowship program. The city continues to face challenges and unique opportunities. Through Challenge Detroit I have been provided with a front seat to active revitalization occurring throughout Detroit. The city is currently enhancing as stakeholders are implementing strategic urban planning, growth, and place-making initiatives for long term success. Sitting at the feet of key community and policy leaders has helped to shape the vision of 30 young professionals prepared to make a difference in the future of Detroit.
The program isn’t a typical fancy fellowship program that brings in 30 individuals and make them just feel special for completing their degrees. Appropriately so, the program continues to enthusiastically push us to our limits as we not only discover the city but also discover ourselves. As we discover our passions and innovate ourselves we also develop impactful solutions to pressing issues faced by the community. Our diversified backgrounds help to bridge gaps in a smaller setting as we productively partner with area non-profits making numerous impacts on the city as a whole. The goal of Challenge Detroit is to build awareness of the momentum in Detroit to support the economy, culture and innovation as the city continues to go through its unique revitalization process.
So far my expectations have been surpassed as I continue to fall in love with the city and all it has to offer. When asked, “Why Detroit?” I respond “Why not? Detroit is so rich in culture, diversity and history! Where else can I have access to such a variety of opportunities to be a part of modern day urban revitalization?” Seven months later and that’s still my response.
In its short two years, Challenge Detroit has supported the creation of approximately 60 new jobs and had a $2 million economic impact on the greater Detroit area. So far we have engaged with the community through our hands on work in community arts, multi-modal transportation, homelessness, and community innovation. The year is steadily unfolding and my time left in the program limited but the experiences I’ve been offered in this amazing city, will last lifetime!