Detroiter Magazine - December 2023

Page 22

20 Talent Attraction Want to retain more Michiganders under 30 to live here long term? The state and Detroit Region need to further develop a startup community and mindset and engage innovative educational opportunities while also marketing its high quality of life, experts say. Hajj Flemings, founder of business accelerator Rebrand Cities, says he looks at places like his frequent co-working space, Newlab Detroit, as an example of what Detroit does well — and what it could do more of to draw people ages 1830 to the city and state.

ATTRACTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GOES BEYOND A JOB By Karen Dybis

“It’s in the center of everything when it comes to people and activations,” Flemings said. “That’s something that’s going to draw and attract a lot of interesting startups and businesses. People today aren’t just settling for a job. We have to create an environment where people feel they can do great stuff.” Flemings says that means the state and region need to think big — what could artificial intelligence, advanced tech, design and fashion as well as other emerging industries do if Michigan could support them?

The Challenge Detroit fellowship program is a yearlong, full-time, paid job that comes with the unique opportunity to contribute in Detroit, develop as a leader, grow a career, connect with mentors and build relationships with diverse, innovative, community-minded leaders, thinkers and doers.


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