In this week’s Fellow Spotlight, we are checking in with Kyla Taylor. She fills us in on what she enjoys most about living in the city, and her host company, Cornerstone Charter Schools!

Kyla, tell us about your move to Detroit?

I’m going to rephrase the question and talk about my move BACK to Detroit! I was born and raised in Detroit, and when I left for college at Denison University, I loved the new atmosphere but I always had a lasting passion for my hometown. So when the opportunity arose for me to come back home, there was no other option. I moved back last May and its one of the best decisions I’ve made to date!

What do you enjoy most about living, working, playing, giving, and leading in Detroit?

It’s so hard to pinpoint what I enjoy most, but I’d definitely have to say it’s the way that I can explore new venues with new people and never get tired! There are several different restaurants, cultural galleries, clubs, bars, dessert shops and fashion boutiques popping up all over the city. One weekend, I can explore with my sister, the next I can explore with high school friends. Then, I can hang out with my fellow fellows at a different venue, and finally, a family friendly venue with my younger cousins and brother… I can do this repeatedly without going to the same place twice. That is amazing.

Tell us about your host company, and what you do?

I work for Cornerstone Charter Schools, which is a charter management network in the city that oversees the operations of four Detroit schools. Cornerstone is making strides in blended learning and being recognized all over the country for innovative practices. People often ask me what my specific role is, and it’s funny, because I’ve worked on such a large gambit of exciting projects that I really can’t put a title on it! I’ve worked in grants, marketing and student engagement, for the most part, and it’s truly been a superb learning experience.

What makes working at Cornerstone Charter Schools unique?

Working at Cornerstone is unique because I get to work face-to-face with the leaders of today and tomorrow. I am learning a lot from renowned staff at the schools and service center where I primarily work from, but I also get an in depth look at how the children are being taught, what is being done to ensure that they are reaching their full potential, and how I can be a champion for their success! It’s so unique to work with students in K-10 grades daily, and it’s an experience that I cherish dearly.

What is your favorite part of the Challenges?

My favorite part of the challenges is learning from other fellows, and combining the experiences, pieces of knowledge and wide variety of expertise within the group to contribute to the nonprofits as well as increasing my own repertoire of skills. My favorite challenge was with COTS because that nonprofit is really making a difference. I saw the changes it made before we entered, and I’m seeing the progress since then. My favorite part of that challenge was being able to contribute to something that was targeting such a pertinent issue in the city: homelessness.

Tell us about some of things you are passionate about making an impact in Detroit?

It’s no secret that education is my passion. Through my work with Cornerstone and through the nonprofit that I co-founded (MotorCity Urban Summer Enrichment), I do hands on service to ensure that the future of education equity for all that I envision is not merely a vision, but a reality in Detroit and beyond. Likewise, I am passionate making an impact on race relations in the city and throughout the surrounding suburbs. I am dedicated to both of these issues because, though they are distinct, they are definitely related in many important ways.

What are you most looking forward to in Detroit?

I really cannot wait for the summer! The festivals at Hart Plaza! The concerts at Chene Park! The quality time I’ll spend with my siblings and entire family! Wow, I have a feeling this is going to be a GREAT SUMMER!

Check out Kyla’s personal blog here, and her spotlight video.