Aaron Jason is a 2021-2022 Fellow. He grew up in Pierson, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Arts and Humanities and a Bachelors of Arts and Science in Media and Information.

When it’s cold and icy, you can find me ice-skating Bell Isle

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

My host company is General Motors! My role is in support of our global culture. Culture is this very vague and complex thing that I’m still unsure of what it all really entails. But one thing is for certain, each and every individual has a part and impact on it. Putting it in a global context makes understanding it all the more challenging. So a lot of what my work involves is listening to teams and members of the organization and connecting them to the tools and resources that empower and enable them to have a voice in creating a culture that matters. Which at the foundation is giving employees autonomy, creative confidence, and meaningful work. This is done in part through organizing diverse and inclusive teams, coaching, design thinking, and storytelling.

Tell us about the challenge project you’re currently working on; what are you learning from the experience?

My experience working with community partners though Challenge so far has shown me how much of Detroit operates on a community level. Which is an incredible and powerful thing. The network Detroit has enables members to have access to great opportunity and resources. However, at the same time the challenge of operating on community level means those that are not within the membership don’t have an awareness of what’s available to them. This seems to be a common pain point organizations are faced with today. Many organizations are trying to figure out how to cut through the noise that our digital world creates and bridge the gap that it has created to reach those that could benefit the most from their network. This problem is definitely one worth solving, and it’s been a great opportunity to deepen my understanding and think of innovative ways to navigate these hurdles and connect people to meaningful interactions and resources.

How do you hope to impact the community as a Fellow?

I approach my work and partnerships with a service mindset; what strengths and experiences can I bring to the table that will positively impact current needs. I focus on how solutions can be implemented that are accessible, sustainable, and human-centered which I would argue you can’t talk about one without the others. With that in mind I hope to impact the community through deeply listening to the challenges community members experience and connect them with creative solutions to move their organization and mission forward.

How do you believe your fellowship will shape your career moving forward?
Challenge has given me the experience to be in a place of discovery, learning more about myself and how it is that I show up as a leader so that I may develop and build upon my unique style of leadership further. In addition, Challenge places you in a fellowship that is made up of such wonderfully skilled and unique individuals that you are able to connect with and collaboratively learn from one another expanding both individual and community knowledge.

When it’s warm and sunny you can find me biking Bell Isle

What has been your biggest takeaway from your time as a Fellow so far and how has it impacted you?

You’re not going to change the world around you alone. However, through collaboration and co-creation that is diverse, inclusive, and gives everyone decision making ability can we then discover equitable ways forward that are world changing. Keeping in mind that our solutions and systems may not always be the answer, so they need to be created sustainably to allow for those who follow us to have just as much power to discover and implement a new way.

If someone is reading this and considering applying to be a Fellow, share why you would encourage them to apply?

If you are someone who wants to find problems worth solving, and solutions worth implementing then Challenge is for you. The Challenge experience is a great way to learn and practice design thinking principles—most importantly, practicing listening to stakeholders and understanding the social-cultural experiences to understand more of “why” behind what people do so that you’re able to design effective solutions that work and feel just as unique as the community they are designed for. In addition to gaining hands on experience consulting and working through the design thinking methodology, Challenge gives you the resources, education, and network that connects you to the city in a special way that makes you feel like Detroit has always been called home.

When it’s late and dusky you can find me skating Riverside Park