DETROIT – Challenge Detroit, a yearlong leadership development program dedicated to attracting and retaining talent in Detroit, announced its 2017-2018 class of Fellows and the host companies that will employ them over the next year.
Challenge Detroit invites leaders from Detroit, the Metro area, and across the country to live, work, play, give and lead in Detroit. During their time in the city, Fellows have the opportunity to work at leading area companies for one year. Host companies include Rock Ventures, Lear Corporation, Hamilton Anderson and Goodwill Industries.
“We are honored to be part of Challenge Detroit’s effort to help move Detroit forward and continue our relationship since the program’s inception,” said Helen Davis Johnson at Rock Ventures. “We have had the privilege of hosting multiple Fellows and look forward to having two in the program this year.”
Fellows work with their host companies four days a week. On the fifth day, they work alongside area nonprofits on “challenge” projects where they will provide actionable solutions to some of the city’s most complex issues, ranging from youth development to food security.
Selected Fellows each submitted an application video, long-form essay and participated in an in-depth interview process with host companies and program leadership.
“Challenge Detroit was exactly the kind of program I was interested in pursuing after school,” said Arnesha Jennings, an upcoming Fellow. “I applied to Challenge Detroit to have the opportunity to give back to the city where I grew up and to grow professionally at my host company, Goodwill’s Green Works. I’m learning new things each day, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me and my city.”
Challenge Detroit staff members are hard at work to prepare for the upcoming year. The creation of challenge projects is ongoing and will require collaboration with nonprofits throughout the city to provide a measurable impact on Detroit.
“We have a number of exciting partnerships and opportunities planned for our incoming Fellows,” said Deirdre Groves, the executive director of Challenge Detroit. “We’re looking forward to seeing how our Year Six Fellows hone their skillsets to impact the city and learn by doing.”
The 2017-2018 class of will start in early September and will bring the program participant total to nearly 200 Fellows over the last six years. During their year in Detroit, Fellows will share their stories through blogging, video and social media platforms.
For more information, and to meet all of the Year Six Fellows, visit www.ChallengeDetroit.org.
