Effie Alofoje-Carr is a 2021-2022 Fellow. Effie is a native Detroiter and has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Pre-Law from Michigan State University.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.
I work for Live6 Alliance as a Project Coordinator. Live6 is a neighborhood economic development organization that supports the residents and businesses that are around Livernois and 6 mile on the west side of Detroit.

Tell us about the challenge project you’re currently working on; what are you learning from the experience?
We recently wrapped our project with Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance where I was part of the Resource Center team. There is SO much to learn from this experience. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned has to do with increased skills around communication with a client about their goals, desires and the projected outcome of a project.

How do you hope to impact the community as a Fellow?
I would love to impact the community as a fellow through donating some of my skills and services while spreading joy and positivity.

What are you most looking forward to as a Fellow this year?
I am most looking forward to immersing myself in the city of Detroit as well as fresh new mentorship opportunities.

Since becoming a Fellow, what new skills have you gained?
I’m currently learning more project management skills. I believe I will be able to confidently move from Project Coordinator to Manager by the end of my fellowship year.

Since becoming a Fellow, what is something you have learned about Detroit that has positively impacted your perspective on the city?
My perspective on Detroit was already that it was the place to be. After learning about the really cool plans for continued development in the area in and around The Avenue of Fashion, I am excited about its potential impact on Michigan, the country and even the world.

How do you believe your fellowship will shape your career moving forward?
It’s exciting to consider how my fellowship year will shape my career. I believe it will bring new people and connections that will propel me on a trajectory to impact more people on a deeper level than I could on my own and with my previous efforts. I also have the opportunity to work on multiple projects across different spheres, versus my project work being concentrated on one area of expertise. This will cause growth and a larger skillset!

What has been your biggest takeaway from your time as a Fellow so far and how has it impacted you?
This experience has impacted me by stretching me out of my comfort zone- and by that I mean it’s forced me to not see the same surroundings, be around the same people, and I am learning a mile a minute because of it. That is HUGE because if you want to move forward you have to shake up your surroundings.

If someone is reading this and considering applying to be a Fellow, share why you would encourage them to apply?
Absolutely apply! This is one the coolest things I’ve had the opportunity to do. You get to experience Detroit in an authentic, hands on way, interact with diverse groups of people, create (hopefully) lasting relationships and networking connections, earn a living while making an impact—the opportunity is endless! I am blown away by what I have learned about and experienced in Detroit, and it’s my hometown! I am grateful for new connections I’ve made—Challenge Detroit opens up doors to connect you with powerful people.