In this week’s Fellow Spotlight, Alexandra Zisser fills us in on her move from LA to Detroit, what she enjoys most about living in the city, and her role as a Social Entrepreneurship Fellow with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Alexandra, growing up in Colorado, and attending college in Los Angeles, what have you enjoyed most about moving to Detroit?

The immediate thing that comes to mind is the people and the community here. My coworkers, apartment manager, and local business have been so kind since I moved to Detroit. I have never felt so welcome anywhere in my whole life. Everyone I’ve come across has been so genuinely glad to hear I’ve moved to the city and more than willing to lend a helping hand however they can. It’s really created a sense of community that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.

What drew you to Detroit?

Challenge Detroit was what initially drew me to the city, but the more I learned about Detroit and its history, the more I started to see what an interesting and unique place it is. Detroit is an American city that boomed with the automobile and has been trying to find its place ever since industry moved out of the country. I think in many ways, Detroit maps a path for the United States as a whole, and is going to be at the front of the next big changes that shape not only this city, but our country. That’s something I absolutely wanted to be a part of.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the City?

On the weekends, I love going to Eastern Market to get my grocery shopping done. Spending the morning walking through the sheds and seeing all the fresh food is so much better than playing shopping cart bumper-cars at the supermarket. Plus, I almost always run into someone I know there, so it’s never a dull moment. I’ve also been having a great time exploring my  neighborhood. I live right next to Indian Village, which is filled with these beautiful old mansions, and there are some new restaurants and coffee shops opening up that I’ve been checking out. There are also tons of concerts, shows, and events that happen during the week. Last week I went to the live show of RadioLab, one of my favorite NPR programs, which was a pretty unique opportunity and so much fun!

Tell us about your host-company and what you do?

I work for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a semi-public organization that functions as the economic development agency for the state of Michigan. I specifically work for the Community Ventures program in Detroit, which is tackling Detroit’s high unemployment rate by offering incentives to businesses to hire structurally unemployed Detroiters.

What makes working for your company unique?

Working for the MEDC has given me a broader perspective on many of the issues that are effecting not only Detroit, but the state of Michigan as a whole. Since I didn’t grow up in Michigan, learning about the MEDC’s projects in places like Flint, Saginaw, or Traverse City has helped me gain a better state-wide context for what is going on in Detroit. So much of what I do between work and Challenge Detroit is so Detroit-centric, and I’m enjoying learning and seeing more of my new state, as well as my new city.

What is an interesting project you are involved in in your role at your host company?

My job within Community Ventures is really cool- I’m working on our new Social Entrepreneurship program, which will help local entrepreneurs and micro-business owners connect with the resources they need to grow their business, hopefully to the point of being ready to hire more employees. It’s a brand new program so I’ve had a to do a lot of learning, but I’m excited to spend the year working on it!

What do you like about the Challenges?

The best part of the challenges for me so far has been working with my fellow fellows. It is so energizing to spend my Fridays working with a group of really fun, talented, and dedicated individuals. We’re only halfway through our first challenge at this point, but seeing the way all our different experiences and backgrounds have come together in really creative and unexpected ways has been so rewarding.

Check out Alexandra’s personal blog here, and her spotlight video.