Khalil Davis is a 2021-2022 Fellow. Khalil is a native Detroiter and went to Michigan State where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.
I work with the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, helping to improve communications and community engagement outreach

Being a team lead for the first challenge project of the year was kind of scary. I was honored to work with some amazing individuals, however. We gave each other grace, and made sure our partners could implement our recommendations with ease.

Tell us about a challenge project you worked on; what did you learn from the experience?
We just finished our project with Marygrove Conservancy. My team focused on a resource directory for artist, creatives, and entrepreneurs that comprised of funding opportunities, housing, education and other resources.

How do you hope to impact the community as a Fellow?
I hope to use the resources and knowledge I have to help community members with issues they have, and it has been a rewarding experience thus far.

What are you most looking forward to as a Fellow this year?
I am looking forward to growth, meeting new people, and making positive impacts within Detroit communities.

I got a chance to see where a lot of redevelopment is occurring and it just so happened that I walked past the Carhartt store and this has been considered a part of the fashion standard in Detroit since I could remember, and I love to see businesses that start in Detroit, stay in Detroit.

Since becoming a Fellow, what new skill/skills have you gained?
Since becoming a fellow I learned what design thinking is and how it can greatly impact projects that I am working on—I have been using design thinking with my work projects.

How do you believe your fellowship will shape your career moving forward?
The fellowship has opened doors for me that I never knew existed, and put my name in places I never stepped foot in due to the work that we are doing with the community.

What has been your biggest takeaway from your time as a Fellow so far and how has it impacted you?
The biggest takeaway from my time thus far is that it’s okay not to know everything but the willingness to learn and try makes all the difference.

If someone is reading this and considering applying to be a Fellow, share why you would encourage them to apply?
If you are somebody that is looking for a way to give back to your community, while meeting amazing individuals, and gaining career building experiences while getting paid, this fellowship is for you!!