{"id":2044,"date":"2015-05-18T06:51:13","date_gmt":"2015-05-18T12:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/challengedetroit.org\/blog\/?p=2044"},"modified":"2015-05-18T06:51:13","modified_gmt":"2015-05-18T12:51:13","slug":"fellow-spotlight-branden-bufford-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.challengedetroit.org\/blog\/fellow-spotlight-branden-bufford-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Fellow Spotlight: Branden Bufford"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this week\u2019s Fellow Spotlight, we are checking in with Branden Bufford<\/a>. He fills us in on what he enjoys most about Detroit, his host company Wayne County Community College District<\/a>, and what he enjoys most about being a Challenge Detroit Fellow<\/p>\n

\"10259724_553650464777300_3073509975328808551_n\"Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what things make it unique and exciting? <\/strong><\/p>\n

My living in Detroit has been a little different from my co-fellows, I live in the Bagley community in an apartment above my grandmother’s house. My grandmother has lived here since the 70s, a lot of my neighbors have been here for the same time as she has. Bagley is adjacent to Marygrove College and University of Detroit-Mercy and the Livernois Avenue of Fashion. I get a chance to talk to them about the Detroit back then, their loyalty to the city and neighborhood. Having long tenured neighbors gives the place a more community feel.<\/p>\n

What do you enjoy most about living, working, playing, giving and leading in Detroit?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I enjoy most that I get to make an impact on a place I call home. All my friends and family speak highly of the work i’m doing and it gives me energy to continue my efforts.<\/p>\n

\"11014677_551105061698507_1627332505072007426_n\"<\/a>Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I work at Wayne County Community College District, one of the largest urban community colleges in the nation educating over 70,000 students online and in person. I work split between student services and athletics. Within student services, I am on a strategic planning team to bring a workforce development program to the school called Year Up. Athletically, I help operate the department; I’ve launched and sustained the school’s athletic Facebook page<\/a> #GoWildcats.<\/p>\n

\"10477875_505442922931388_8686334838983951726_n\"<\/a>What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

That my efforts alone cannot solve the issue. It will definitely take a collaborative effort across multiple industries to truly be effective and efficient.<\/p>\n

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

I hope my impact is felt in a positive way, I want my name on as many lips possible and remembered for the focused passion I brought to the table. For both WCCCD and Detroit.<\/p>\n

What are you most looking forward to in the final months of Challenge Detroit?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I plan to finish strong, period.<\/p>\n

Also, be sure to check out Branden’s\u00a0video to learn more about his time in Detroit, so far.<\/p>\n