Jo’Charta Rogers is a 2022-2023 Fellow at the Detroit Land Bank Authority where she is part of the Nuisance Abatement Program team as a Community and Property Liaison. Learn more about Jo’Charta below.

The Missing Piece

Something has to give! I needed a fresh start and a confidence boost after the pandemic. Not knowing what exactly I wanted to do within my career after graduating with my Masters in Social Work in 2020, I felt alone, and like I needed more hands-on experience within this different level of Social Work.

I am a mother and was very discouraged in applying for Challenge Detroit. I was encouraged by Gabrial Taylor-Saddler, an Alumni Fellow who was also my Career Coach to apply for the fellowship. I didn’t think I would fit in because I am older than most Fellows and didn’t think I would get in, yet I was so glad I applied. Everyone is so supportive; you are learning from each other as well as developing new skills together.

My life as a Fellow is the piece that was missing in the growth of my career. I’ve made new friends and am now a part of a strong community network. Not everyone comes from the same background, yet everyone has the same sense of service, urge for change, and wanting to grow as a person.

Challenge provides many opportunities to experience their many pillars – Live, Work, Play, Give, Lead. However, a Fellowship such as Challenge Detroit will guide you into balancing them all, and assisting you in realizing it’s okay that it looks different for everyone. It’s the fact that you’re putting your best foot forward, willing to learn by doing and utilizing the passions and dedication you already have inside of yourself.

 About Jo’Charta:

Hello, I’m Jo’Charta Rogers, known as Jo. I grew up in Highland Park, MI and Oak Park, MI. I have a Masters in Social Work (Macro concentrated), and am passionate in community revitalization, community engagement/outreach, and program/project management. I have a beautiful family. I love pancakes (mainly from Pancake House), coaching middle school volleyball, creating different projects on Canva, and listening to 90s R&B.

Why should someone apply to be a Fellow?

“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot