Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what things make it unique and exciting?
I live in Detroit’s west side in an area referred to as the Aviation Subdivision. I lived here prior to Challenge Detroit and continue to enjoy being in the neighborhood. It’s a short 10-minute drive to downtown Detroit and neighbors the suburb of Dearborn, MI, which makes for easy access to fantastic Middle Eastern food.
What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?
Through Challenge Detroit, I’ve gained a great appreciation for the hard work that so many do to make a positive impact on the city without receiving the same publicity that others get. There are of course many big names mentioned in the media when talking about Detroit’s revitalization but it’s often the ones working in the shadows that are doing the most to make a meaningful and positive impact.
Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.
My host company is the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. I’ve been contributing to many departments in different capacities, primarily doing work in marketing, community relations, and assisting with social media efforts. My experience so far has been overwhelmingly positive and I’m looking forward to an exciting 2016 as we continue to prepare for our race in June.
Here’s what the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is saying about Nadir.
“The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is committed to giving back to our city. Our Challenge Detroit Fellow, Nadir Ali, is helping us create deeper connections in Detroit’s neighborhoods and increase our efforts to attract a more diverse audience to the Grand Prix. Nadir was born, raised and educated in Detroit and now that he’s working in the city with the Grand Prix he provides a truly authentic perspective about his hometown and has introduced us to new resources within our community. Through his design and marketing background, Nadir also offers a fresh and welcomed approach to some of our creative projects and social media activities. We are proud to call Nadir a valuable member of our Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix team.”
Bud Denker – Chairman, Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?
Being a native Detroiter, I hope to help further efforts that better connect the different neighborhoods and districts in Detroit with this world class event that takes place annually right in our backyard. While the obvious appeal to automotive/racing enthusiasts is apparent, there’s really so much more to offer than just the race itself (although if you weren’t a racing fan prior to attending you will be after!).
What are three things that you think the world should know about Detroit?
There are many things I’d want the world to know about Detroit, but to narrow it down to 3 things I would say the following:
- It’s not a matter of if anymore, it’s a matter of when. There is not a doubt in my mind that Detroit is moving in a positive direction and there shouldn’t be in yours either. A simple drive through the city will reveal many large-scale projects currently in process such as M1 Rail, The District Detroit, revitalization efforts in Capitol Park, etc., that will truly transform the Downtown area and Woodward corridor.
As a native west side Detroiter my hope is of course that the momentum will eventually spread to the neighborhoods as well. A strong downtown/midtown is the start not the end point.
- Detroit is a painting in need of repairs, not a blank canvas. The Motor City has a rich history and tradition, and although it’s fallen on hard times in the last few decades times it’s important to still respect and pay homage to the past. Contribute to making the city a better Detroit, not a ‘new’ Detroit.
- If you’re a doer, this is the place to be. To quote Jeanette Pierce of the Detroit Experience Factory: “Detroit is big enough to matter in the world and small enough to matter in it.”