A unique element to the Challenge Detroit program are the leadership discussions and workshops we are able to regularly participate in. During these workshops, we are introduced to CEO’s, entrepreneurs and other leaders in Detroit. These leaders tell their personal stories of how they got to where they are in life and share advice for future leaders of Detroit.

At our most recent leadership Friday we heard from Melissa Howell, the Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources at GM. It was great to hear the experiences of her professional career. Not only is she a great female role model, but she shared very genuine advice for all young professionals. She emphasized the point of seizing any opportunity life presents. Howell shared two times seizing an opportunity changed her life and furthered her career. The first was the initial opportunity to take an internship position with GM and the second was to take a position overseas. Even though she was pregnant at the time, Howell still decided to jump at the opportunity to work overseas and this allowed her to gain a global understanding of GM.

I feel this is one of the best pieces of advance to follow in life, both personally and professionally. Looking back, I can recall a few recent times that jumping at an opportunity has changed my life. Challenge Detroit is a prime example. I had heard about the program and thought the concept was such a unique idea, but didn’t really know what I should expect on a day-to-day basis if I made it into the program. Instead of letting uncertainty stop me from applying, I seized the opportunity and the rest is history.

Howell also shared that she had no plan for her career path. She explained that passion leads the career and should be considered over a strict plan because things are always changing and requiring you to adapt. Following your passion I think is one of the most important elements of a career. It was reassuring to hear Howell admit she did not have a plan mapped out for her career, but followed what she was passionate about. I hope to encounter more exciting opportunities in the future that will further my passions and have the confidence to accept whatever challenges or uncertainties they bring.

-Meagen