Where did you grow up?
Prior to seventh grade, I spent my early days on the east side, in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood. I went to school at what is now the Ronald Brown Academy, but was called Stellwagen Elementary. Then my immediate family moved to Mt. Clemens for my father’s job.
What is your degree in? Why did you choose that degree?
I got my BS in English Language and Literature at Michigan State University. Because I was such a theater and music aficionado (i.e. nerd) in high school though, I started out as a theater performance major. Sometimes I wish I could have seen what would’ve happened if I’d stayed with that! Essentially, it’s the language of literature and its study that I love best, so I took a quieter path.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I intermittently put all the household toothbrushes in the dishwasher; more frequently in the cold and flu season. I also have a fascination with collective nouns and food emojis, and live in a house that is older than the state of Michigan.
What is your history with Detroit?
The oldest generations of my family came to Detroit as domestic servants in the late 1800s, then stayed to raise their children, who did the same for the next century or so. My immediate family moved to be closer to work further outside the city when I was young, but stayed connected to it socially and spiritually, spending weekends at family gatherings or the DSO, attending church services and events, grocery shopping at eastern market, and showing up to any other cultural event we could make.
What did you do before working at D3?
I started out my professional life in the publishing world, then left the workforce to raise my children and own my own company. Most recently, my experience has been in the automotive industry. I have held positions as an HR generalist for a stamping plant, a project manager for a commercial art company, as a brand coordinator for Stellantis and then program coordinator for Ford during my most recent tenure at a BPO. I am ecstatic to be a part of the D3 team!
What do you like about working at D3 so far? How do you think the work you are doing benefits the city/region?
Arriving at D3 feels like a blessing. I am so grateful to have been selected to be a member of such a wildly talented team! Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive, and no one has said anything when I’ve made a silly, rookie mistake. Also, this role is one of the most materially beneficial ways I’ve ever attempted to help the people of Detroit. Without spending too much time in the deepest philosophical waters, knowing the truth is THE essential component of societal change. This is where D3 lives: telling the abundant, diverse, magnificent stories of Detroiters and their neighbors. This is more than mere work.
What are your favorite types of data?
I love it when data changes my mind; when it challenges my thinking and leads me to a new place. But data doesn’t necessarily speak for itself. Just data tells us what. So data that feeds a story of why helps me see more clearly what I need to DO. This is where visualization and narrative can help make the data speak! My favorite though is an interactive map. This type of model gives the viewer a sense of the real place and its people by its very design. I also love forecasting models, which help me understand what would happen if…
Who or what inspired you to take the path to Detroit, data, or both?
To me this role seems a fitting one to come home to. Not only does the mission and vision of D3 speak to my values, but it seems I also managed to have what D3 was looking for at the time. I don’t think I would have had the right skill set just a short time ago and D3 wasn’t in need. Timing is everything. I honestly don’t spend much time intentionally looking for a path or purpose. The unaimed arrow never misses, right? What I do instead is try to work hard and pay attention, so I am ready. As someone who has loved Detroit for many years, but hasn’t found themselves in a position to help much, I was ready.