Vanessa Vigier is a 2021-2022 Fellow. Vanessa grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan then attended Kalamazoo College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business & International and Area Studies.

This picture represents the volleyball league I joined with other Lear employees through the Lear ERG called Lear Next Generation. Fun fact: I am officially a board member of the Lear Next Generation ERG!

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

My host company is the automotive supplier, Lear Corporation, where I am responsible for doing project management in the Finance Department. I work with a cross-functional global team to support major Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable process transformation and continuous improvement projects. In addition to my work at Lear, I have joined several employee resource groups (ERGs) that provide the opportunity to engage and connect with others with similar identities/interests. I recently became a board member of the Lear Next Generation ERG that supports Lear employees early in their career at Lear.

Tell us about the challenge project you’re currently working on; what are you learning from the experience?
We just started our second project with the Marygrove Conservancy. Transitioning roles from a team lead in the first project to a team member in the second project has provided a different perspective which has taught me a lot about listening and empathy. I am excited to learn more from my group members throughout the challenge project.

Since becoming a Fellow, what new skills have you gained?
As someone who is just out of college, I am still learning about my career interests and passions. Since Lear is a for-profit company, I have been exposed to both the for-profit and non-profit worlds which has helped me to narrow down my next steps. Through my host company and Challenge Fridays, I have grown in my leadership and communication skills. I am excited to see how my skills develop further throughout the remainder of the fellowship.

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

On the first day of orientation, each fellow had to create an “About me” poster and share it in front of the cohort. This exercise led me to forming my first few connections at challenge as we were all able to learn interesting facts about people we barely knew. I loved hearing what everyone had to say!

I hope to create a lasting impact, beyond my fellowship year, in the communities we serve through the challenge projects, service days, and supporting of local businesses.

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

During the “testing” phase of the first challenge project with MDBBA, we were able to show to our partners the deliverables we had spent the last few weeks building. We received great feedback from MDBBA and they told us that the work that we had done would set them up for success in Summer ‘22 for the start of their youth program. It was amazing to learn about the immediate and direct impact that the challenge projects have in these organizations.

If someone is reading this and considering applying to be a Fellow, share why you would encourage them to apply?
I would encourage anyone to apply who has a passion for making an impact, whether or not you are from Detroit, you will grow to love the city. As a Fellow you have the opportunity to make connections with other Fellows, community leaders, non-profit organizations and local businesses. There are a lot of leadership and skill building opportunities during the challenge days as well.