We just finished up our 4th challenge and this time around I got to experience a Challenge from a Project Coordination Lead perspective. To be honest I loved it! I really had no idea what to expect and I’d heard mixed reviews so I went in with a clean slate state of mind. It helps that I had an amazing friend as my co-lead! S/O to Miranda all-Day!

Believe it or not… Being a PCL changed the way I understand Challenge Detroit. Here are three aspects of the challenge that shaped my experience.

1.The Projects

The projects for this challenge were, for lack of a better word, chill. As PCL I got to dabble in multiple team’s design process, dropping ideas here and there. The deliverables felt attainable which allowed for teams to present a clean & quality product to partners. The tasks also felt meaningful and impactful allowing for a strong team morale.

2. My fellow fellows

Sometimes when someone moves into a roll of “authority” they become the “enemy”. I stepped onto the scene fully expecting this to be the case. Not so in my case! Teams were super respectful and it wasn’t even awkward! It reminded me how great the group of people that I work with are. Not to mention that they all did an awesome job and I was super proud. A great group of minds. I love my fellow fellows for it.

3. The Partners

Belle Isle…I love this island. There’s something super personal about it and it fills me with Detroit pride. It’s got a fascinating history and a bright future ahead. Riding over the bridge to the island feels a little like crossing over into a secret world. A magical oasis where I’ve laughed and cried.

EcoWorks… My host company and place of employment for the past 3 years! Working here has truly been a blessing. EcoWorks, yet another place where I’ve laughed and cried, has been a crucial part of my growing up experience. My Eco-Fam has accepted me for who I am and continues to provide space for me to express myself. At least once a week I sit back and reflect on just how blessed I really am to work, learn, and grow here.  #adulting

As PCL for the EcoWorks team I got to bridge two of my worlds and see both from a new perspective. Eco-Districts and Reclaim Detroit are doing some really exciting work and I got to experience this in a new way as teams consulted with these programs for the past 5 weeks.

Well…I could say more but Starbucks is closing in 5 minutes… TTYL.