Emerging Leaders - Part One

I moved here in June. I’ve bopped around a bit, living in New England, Ohio, Philadelphia (my favorite city!), and Louisiana over the last 5 years.

I love the awareness I have of different regions- each has such a different persona. What makes Philly and D.C. my favorites is the energy of each place- you can feel it in the air! You walk through the city and there is such hustling and bustling- you get energized just being there. The funny thing is, they have the same problems that we have here in Detroit- failing public education systems, a widening poverty gap, and the need for community action.

However, there is a dramatic difference between those cities and Detroit. I think a part of it is that the lack of public transportation makes it easier to be isolated, but its more than that. I don’t know if I can verbalize it properly- its like the people who you walk past in those cities have a bounce in their step- they are confident in the power of their region, and in the power of themselves to participate in its growth and development.

Since moving here, I’ve seen a lot of despair and doubt coming from those who are native to the area. One of the big concerns I hear is that there is a “brain drain” occurring- and that young people are fleeing the state. It seems that many don’t think that Michigan can offer what other cities can.

I don’t see it that way at all! Detroit has that energy- it just needs harnessed! Maybe its because I’m kind of an outsider, but I see so much opportunity for young people- and the harnessing of that energy- and that is truly thrilling. Where else in the country is the community primed and ready for a group of motivated, dynamic, educated, and energetic people to step up?

Southeastern Michigan is so unique, because it has the need and desire for innovative leaders to take action. All that is needed is the forum for this to take place.

Julie Updyke
Campaign Associate
Resource Development