To succeed, it takes a village. Teamwork and collaboration are powerful things. They provide a system of encouragement and support that cannot be underestimated. In the last year, I have found this to be particularly true.

As an applicant to the Challenge Detroit fellowship, I had to rely on my network of supporters to drive my candidacy forward. Friends encouraged me to apply. Others helped me film my application video. And even more people spread the news, voted me up, and advised me through the interview process. I owe much of this year’s experience to the gracious individuals who make up my village.

Completing this year’s Challenge Detroit project challenges has been and continues to be a wild journey. By design, all of the challenges require us to meet and speak with all manner of Detroiters. From people with fancy professional titles to those experiencing homelessness. From east to west, riverside to 8 mile. We’ve heard from individuals about being a student, a small business owner, or a community organizer within the city. Asked what makes Detroit unique, they all say the same thing – the people, their collaboration. It’s the village. Detroit has a determined, endesslessly creative village of supporters.

Many in Detroit’s village live within or near its borders. Vibrant as it is, however, I often wonder how we might grow the village even more. How might we attract more residents and home owner-occupants? How might we persuade more medium to large scale retailers to join our ranks? How might we win over legislation to support quality education for our kids? There’s a lot to do. Some people are working on it, but it takes a village.