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

I live in Midtown, right across the street from the VA and Harper hospital. I love how walkable the location is – it’s an easy stroll to the museums, Wayne State’s campus and a number of bars, shops and restaurants. I love being able to step outside my apartment into activity and people.

There is a lot of new development in Midtown, and everyday it seems like a new business or building is popping up. But I love finding the little nooks and crannies that carry a reminder of what this place used to be and what a rich history it carries.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

I’ve learned that it takes time to truly learn and get to know a place and a community. Building trust is a slow process – one that means proving we are genuine and will stay. This process is just as, if not more important than the results or impact.

I’ve also learned that the identity and energy you bring into spaces can’t be removed from you. This year has made me reflect on my identity, how I might be perceived and what it means to enter communities and spaces in a respectful way.

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

I work with the Public Affairs team at DTE Energy. I started on the communications side and recently switched over to strategy and major initiatives. I’ve focused on corporate citizenship, volunteerism and the Foundation. It has been a huge learning experience to see how a big corporation, with statewide reach, approaches social impact. Throughout the year, I’ve seen our company’s involvement in a variety of city events including the Campus Martius tree lighting, Winter Blast, and Grand Prix. I have also helped with a number of initiatives including a revamp for our company wide volunteer program, the annual corporate citizenship report and developing a proposal for expanding electrical safety programming in schools.

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

One of the biggest lessons I took away from this year was that it is hard to predict the impact you will have in any situation. What I hope to bring everywhere I go is my creativity and desire to create a positive experience. I’m often reminded of advice we received during our first challenge: give what you feel. I hope that no matter the context, I am able to honestly give what I feel.

As your fellowship year comes to a close what do you hope to do next and how has your experience as a Fellow impacted your vision for your future?

I received a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council on behalf of the Council of Pacific Americans to create a short documentary film about the Asian American community in metro Detroit, specifically youth growing up in first generation households. The fellowship helped introduce me to numerous connections without which I wouldn’t have been able to find – or fund – this project. I’m excited to take what I have learned this year about project and team management and apply it to something so close to my heart and personal experience next year.

To learn even more about Harsha’s year as a Challenge Detroit Fellow check out her spotlight video below.