“I would encourage someone to apply to be a Fellow because you never know what new opportunities may place themselves in front of you. It could be something big, such as a network connection to support your career path, or it could be something as small as finding a new favorite lunch spot in the City. You will become a part of an organization that will open new doors to you.” – Mary Zoran

Detroit is a Small World After All

I started attending Wayne State University in 2018 with the intention of getting myself out of my comfort zone. I wanted to learn more about the city from the City – Detroit did not disappoint. 

I had the opportunity in my Wayne State Bachelor of Social Work program to intern at Chandler Park Conservancy. I had the absolute honor of serving as a tutor and mentor at Osborn High School with City Year Detroit for two years. Now, I am privileged to be working at Teen HYPE as a Youth & Family Support Specialist.

There are many commonalities that I found across all of these experiences: non-profit work, community development, and youth empowerment being a few. Another link? Challenge Detroit.

Our first Challenge Project was with the Detroit Parks Coalition, where my former supervisor at Chandler Park Conservancy, Yvette Pullom-Bass, now serves as a program director. City Year Detroit not only introduced me to Challenge Detroit, but they are now a host company and partner of the organization. As a past project partner, Teen HYPE is now my host company and has two Challenge Detroit alums, Dee Smith and Callie Brantley, who are still at the organization. 

Detroit is a big city with its own small world inside, and Challenge Detroit has opened my eyes to the power of connection and community in this city. As someone who strives to be a life-long learner, Detroit is the place to live, work, play, give, and lead.

ABOUT: Mary Zoran is from Chelsea, MI and attended Washtenaw Community College for her associates degree and Wayne State University for her Bachelors of Social Work. Mary enjoys puzzles of all kinds, theatre, movies, and cats. She has greatly enjoyed being involved with a book club with her fellow Fellows.