Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what things make it unique and exciting?

My home is in the Lafayette Park/ Elmwood Park neighborhood. It has a more residential feel and is comprised mostly of housing options and schools. Proximity is definitely a large part of the area’s charm. It is difficult to believe that so many neighborhoods are only minutes away (Hamtramck, Downtown, Midtown, Indian Village, and Corktown), but that is one of the advantageous realities of living in such a central location.

What I have come to appreciate most is how many attractions are within a short walking, running or biking distance. It is an easy feat to bike to Eastern Market for produce, run from the River Walk to the Dequindre cut for exercise, and to enjoy an afternoon stroll in the Historic Elmwood Cemetery. Bah Mai Thai is also a short walk for anyone looking for some seriously delicious Thai Food on Lafayette.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

Being a part of Challenge Detroit has helped me to not only better understand the landscape of Detroit, but to hone in on my personal and professional goals. The opportunity to interact with change-makers and leaders in the city and has been equal parts humbling and empowering. It has truly changed my perspective on how to be a citizen, and how to be a part of one’s community. It is not simply a passive act of relocating to an area and creating a space for yourself, but rather being a responsible, active part within the ecosystem of your own community.

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

Telegration is a 26-year-old Telecom Corporation based in Clawson, Michigan that reduces costs and improves efficiencies for over 30,000 businesses including Fortune 500 corporations, cities, government agencies, and other organizations. My role is within the marketing department as the marketing coordinator. As in most marketing roles, there are no two days that are the same and I am eternally grateful for that. I participate in wide variety of tasks from planning and coordinating events and community outreach, to strategy and design. I have thoroughly enjoyed their efforts to participate in community through events like the Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Children’s Holiday Wish Program in partnership with the Optimist’s Club.

What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?

Since I live within the city, but my host company is located in the suburbs, I am constantly in tune with the conversation (or lack thereof) happening. My goal throughout the year has been to create conversations about what is happening in each location and try to facilitate dialogue. There are many misconceptions and truths on both ends, but they rely on one another for success and open line of communication is important.

What local leader do you think is making a significant impact in the city?

It would be far too difficult to name a single individual since there are an innumerable number of people who are making a positive impact within Detroit. One organization that I have had the great privilege of working with recently is Matrix Human Services, specifically the Osborne neighborhood location. They offer a variety of services, but their mission is to move families from poverty to economic self-sufficiency.

To learn more about Amelia’s adventures and experiences so far in Detroit check out her spotlight video!