{"id":19025,"date":"2017-01-30T13:14:30","date_gmt":"2017-01-30T13:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.challengedetroit.org\/?post_type=blogpost&p=19025"},"modified":"2017-01-30T13:14:30","modified_gmt":"2017-01-30T13:14:30","slug":"fellow-spotlight-claire-huttenlocher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.challengedetroit.org\/blog\/fellow-spotlight-claire-huttenlocher\/","title":{"rendered":"Fellow Spotlight: Claire Huttenlocher"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what makes your neighborhood unique?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"I live in the heart of Midtown, within walking distance of some great restaurants, coffee shops, concert venues, and a variety of small businesses. Midtown is also home to Detroit\u2019s best cultural institutions, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Society, and Wayne State University. I love that our neighborhood feels small but has all the amenities of a city. I can chat with the owner of the bookstore down the street or walk by the dog park and run into my neighbor. I also enjoy that I can hop on my bike and get Downtown or to Eastern Market in just a few minutes!<\/p>\n

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This fellowship has taught me how to use empathy and the design thinking<\/a> process to understand the needs of a community. I have been exposed to the complex network of public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders and their role in equitable urban development. Perhaps most importantly, collaborating with young professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives has taught me how to creatively approach admittedly daunting challenges.<\/p>\n

\"\"Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.<\/strong><\/p>\n

My host company is Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and I work at their headquarters in Auburn Hills. As part of the Civic Engagement team, I work with nonprofits to identify and develop charitable grants that strengthen communities in SE Michigan and across the U.S. I also assist with our corporate volunteerism program, Motor Citizens<\/a>, which allows employees to use paid time to give back to their communities.<\/p>\n

We spoke with Claire’s host company and asked them how Claire’s work has furthered FCA’s connection to Detroit.<\/p>\n

\u201cClaire\u2019s thoughtful engagement and reflection have served as a bridge between her on-the-ground work through Challenge Detroit and the civic and philanthropic commitments of FCA<\/span>.\u00a0 Claire has been an essential, steadfast and collaborative partner and convener.\u201d – Lesley Slavitt, Head, Civic Engagement & CEO, FCA Foundation<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s exciting to work for a company that values giving back. The automotive industry has always been integral to the success of Detroit and its metropolitan region, and I hope to both \u201cdo well\u201d and \u201cdo good\u201d in my civic engagement role. Through our challenge projects, I hope to have an incremental impact on organizations and communities through innovative and collaborative engagement. The narrative of this city is rapidly changing, and I\u2019d like to be a part of that.<\/p>\n

What are you most looking forward to for the second half of your year as a fellow?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve got some great challenge partners lined up for the next few months, with topics ranging from creative placemaking and youth education to sustainability and place-based entrepreneurship. For our next challenge, I am thrilled to work with the Downtown Boxing Gym<\/a>, an organization that views mentorship, education, and athletics as transformational tools in the lives of Detroit\u2019s youth. My team is developing a five-year master plan for the activation of their outdoor green space and surrounding lots. This space will support kids in the program as well as the greater community of Islandview. Beyond this project, I am looking forward to exploring new neighborhoods, growing relationships with my cohort, and networking with organizations and professionals doing amazing work in the city.<\/p>\n

What do you envision for Detroit 10 years from now?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"When I think about this city in a decade, I see stronger neighborhoods and vibrant commercial corridors, developed with a consciousness of the existing communities and historic buildings as well as new businesses and residents. I think about a Detroit that values inclusive design<\/a>, mobility, safety, and a healthier relationship with its surrounding region. You might be familiar with the quote by Thoreau, \u201cIf you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.\u201d There is no doubt that we still have a lot of foundation to build, but I\u2019m inspired by the countless people here who are working to move their visions forward every day.<\/p>\n

To see more about Claire’s exprience in Detroit this year check out her spotlight video below.<\/p>\n