Karmel-Serah Reeves is a 2021-2022 Fellow. She grew up in Detroit and she has both a Masters of Public Administration from Grambling University and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies & Public Policy from Dillard University.

2021-2022 Cohort on the Detroit Riverwalk during orientation.

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

My host company is Detroit Public Schools Community District and I serve as a Finance & Special Projects Fellow in the Finance Department. Part of my duties include working with the CFO to monitor department progress on our defined Objectives and Key Results by supporting development of annual budget amendment and planning process. I also provide project management support on upgrades to our financial system (PeopleSoft) by creating monthly budgets to actual reports for departments to monitor their spending relative to approved budgets.

Tell us about the challenge project you’re currently working on; what are you learning from the experience?

Most recently I worked on the listening team for our most recent Challenge Project with Marygrove Conservancy. Our main deliverable was to create a Listening Report. This report detailed key insights of what the community wanted and some of the needs expressed from various culture bearers in the community. We had the opportunity to connect with several organizations that Marygrove hosted to gather the insights highlighted in our report.

2021-2022 Cohort enjoying time together outside of the program.

How do you hope to impact the community as a Fellow?

I would like to really foster an enhanced trust between the community and people who come to serve it. Detroiters can tend to be very territorial and I would like to be a part of building a bridge between outside stakeholders and the community.

Since becoming a Fellow, what is something you have learned about Detroit that has positively impacted your perspective on the city?

I left Detroit when I was 18 so one of the major things I have learned upon returning is just how resilient the city is. The city is bustling with life. When I left, business was far and few in between. Now, I have a hard time deciding what I want to do each weekend because of all the options. Detroit does not give up and I have learned to respect the city’s determination to thrive.

Please share the most memorable moment you have experienced so far as a Fellow. Why was it memorable and how has it impacted you?

My most memorable Challenge Detroit memory has been bowling with my cohort. The winter really impeded our opportunity to hang out but since it’s been warming up we pretty much have planned outings weekly. I really enjoyed this particular activity because it was really well attended and we were really able to relax, have fun and enjoy each other’s company.

If someone is reading this and considering applying to be a Fellow, share why you would encourage them to apply?

Challenge Detroit is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The fellowship is centered around service and community building at its core. It will push you, challenge you, water, and grow you into the type of servant leader you want to be. If you want to be apart of the change you want to see, Challenge Detroit is the place for you.

2021-2022 Cohort enjoying time together outside of the program.