Tell us about your typical weekend in Detroit, where do you go, what do you enjoy and what are a few of your favorite spots?

Weather permitting; I like to try to do as much outdoors as I can. Biking around the city was what first introduced me to the area and I frequently enjoy a Saturday morning ride to Eastern Market. I also enjoy trying out all the new spots that keep opening up. Motor City Brewing Works is still my favorite however. It’s so great!

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

First and foremost, Challenge Detroit has introduced me to a variety of projects and organizations around the city that I was previously unaware of. The opportunity to work with so many great people and benefit from the exposure that comes with working in the various neighborhoods has opened me to new ideas and new ways of thinking.

I’ve always viewed Detroit as a unique opportunity, and this experience has not only confirmed that but also demonstrated the positive change that can result from formulating solutions through creative thinking and innovation. Much of what we do through Challenge Detroit aligns with the overall mission of the city, and that’s something I care deeply about.

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

I work for DTE Energy, a Detroit based utility company. As a member of the Health and Wellness team, my job is focused on improving the health of our employees. Broadly speaking that involves work on a number of different projects, including neighborhood revitalization work and economic development projects like the Grand River park space and bike sharing programs. My days are quite varied which helps to keep me on the move.

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

As an employee at DTE Energy for the past three years, I’m in the unique situation of already having familiarity with my host company. Challenge Detroit has taught me to tackle a variety of issues using a stepwise approach that emphasizes adaptable and amenable design thinking. My goal is for this experience to reverberate back into my work at DTE and ultimately translate into new projects that blend my prior experience with this new approach.

What Challenge Project have you enjoyed the most and why?

Working to create the neighborhood business directory stands as my favorite Challenge Project thus far. As our first Challenge, it allowed us the opportunity to explore the city and research a number of businesses I was otherwise unaware of. I also enjoyed working alongside local government and the city of Detroit. I knew very little about the districts prior to the project and through our experience I came to appreciate a variety of local businesses and their surrounding communities. Overall, it peaked my curiosity in Detroit and revealed to me just how expansive the city really is.

Check out Kelsey’s spotlight video for a glimpse in to her adventures as a fellow as well.