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

Man, Detroit is the greatest city to me. The people, the culture, the drive to be something when everyone tells you you can’t; that’s what makes Detroit.

I moved back to my neighborhood on Wilfred and Dickerson. My community keeps me humble. What I work for and who I work for will always be my community. My people are dreamers. Everyone here dreams of a better life even though our realities give no inclination of things changing. Nevertheless, Detroit is changing. The city’s communities, its families, its dreamers all believe that the city is a land of opportunity. How many cities can say that?

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

Challenge Detroit has truly been a game-changer for my life. My network, my aspirations, my goals have all grown substantially. The various cultures and personalities I have been exposed to through Challenge Detroit has increased my social capital while strengthening my pride in my own culture. Everyday I’m surrounded by influential people. I often reflect on memories to see how far I’ve come.

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

As a member of the design team at the United Way of Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) I use design thinking methods with my team to create innovative ideas that are outside UWSEM’s normal scope of work but within the realm of the organization’s core pillars of education, financial stability and basic needs. I work under Gabriela Dorantes and, Challenge Detroit alumni, Ezekiel Harris. Both of my managers have both played pivotal roles in my development, not only as a designer but as a professional. The office brims over with people who instantly remind me how lucky I am to be a member of such an organization. Whether it’s Ms. Cora’s smile, or Ms. Kate welcoming silly questions; UWSEM feels like home.

Here is what the United Way for Southeastern Michigan is saying about Ephraim:

“Ephraim is a smart and driven native Detroiter. His expertise of the community and culture is invaluable as we pursue social impact design at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.”

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

As cliché as it sounds, engaging my community is where my true impact will be. Design thinking is more than a process it is an instrument for my creative thoughts. I now know a way to execute my ideas, while seeking the insights of my community to make our lives better. UWSEM is the perfect platform for me to service my home. Challenge Detroit has provided me with a network beyond description. Combining these blessings with my own talent can only breed success.

What goals, as a Challenge Detroit Fellow, would you like to start or complete within the next few months?

My primary goal within the next few months is transitioning Men of E.L.I.T.E (Exceeding Leadership and Innovating True Excellence) to nonprofit status. I along with Kenneth Jackson and Curtis Mattison founded the organization in 2014 with the purpose of uplifting and advocating for the advancement of minorities and impoverished adolescents through education and culture. In a year and a half, we have increased to 15 members with interest ranging from finance, to engineering and neuroscience and a maintained cumulative G.P.A over 3.1. I am aware that the road for establishing and building a nonprofit organization is difficult. Nevertheless, my team is tough and we plan to grow and expand Men of E.L.I.T.E.