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

I live in Elmwood Park, which is situated right next to the more well-known Lafayette Park and owes its name to the illustrious Elmwood Cemetery. It is a quiet neighborhood surrounded by grade schools, which makes it feel very family-friendly. While it is a bit removed from the excitement of downtown, one thing I have grown to love about the area is how easy it is for me to step outside my door and go for an enjoyable run or walk. For anyone wanting a moment of removal from the urban setting of Detroit, I highly recommend a walk through the historic cemetery.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

I am grateful for the experiential learning and empathy I have gained in my time with Challenge Detroit. I truly believe I have been able to learn and understand more about Detroit’s complex narrative – both historically and its current climate – in the six months I have been a part of the fellowship than if I were to try to seek out the knowledge on my own. Partnering with outstanding non-profit organizations in the community, attending lectures and exhibits, and having influential guest speakers visit our program all have been crucial to my growth as an active member of the Detroit community.

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

My host company is Beaumont Health, the largest health system in the state and one of the largest employers in Southeast Michigan. I work in the Corporate Human Resources department, in which I have been able to observe the fascinating process of a company merge (A year and a half ago, Beaumont Health System, Oakwood Health System and Botsford Hospital merged to become Beaumont Health). I have learned just how much the Human Resources department is responsible for in sustaining a large organization and how much of the merge falls on this group of people.

My main focus at Beaumont Health has been as a member of the Talent Acquisition team and in developing a new military veterans program to promote the hiring and retention of veterans.

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

Before the end of my fellowship year, I hope to see Beaumont’s veterans program as an active and fruitful source, both for veterans to gain fulfilling employment, as well as for recruiters of Beaumont Health to find skilled and driven talent to welcome into the health system. Within the city, I hope to continually expand my knowledge of Detroit and participate in meaningful volunteer service in the spirit of shared values.

What are ways the suburbs of Detroit and the city can come together? What lessons can we learn from one another?

I was raised in Grosse Pointe Park, in a family that was always pretty enthusiastic about Detroit and engaged in its current events. I am of course aware of the rift that is present between the city and its suburbs, but I am also seeing a dissipation of this mindset. My hope is that a more supportive and communal relationship grows over the years, as both have plenty to offer one another. Residents of the suburbs should come to Detroit not just for a Tigers Game and a drink at HopCat, but also to attend a community lecture provided by Wayne State, visit the Detroit Historical Museum, enjoy a family outing on the Riverfront or discover a new (to them) bakery. There are also many services that the suburbs have been able to sustain successfully over the years, in the same areas where Detroit has floundered, such as the public school systems. While I understand that monetary support is a stretch, I think it’s important for intellectual collaboration to occur between the suburbs and the city to create a more cohesive community.

Want to see Annie in action out and about in Detroit? Check out her spotlight video!