Wayne State partners to launch inaugural Michigan Mobility Fellows cohort
The spotlight is on Detroit as it kicked off the summer with a burst of infectious energy. At Wayne State University’s Officer of Economic Development (OED) and TechTown Detroit, the university’s entrepreneurship hub and home of innovation, we excitedly welcome ecosystem partners to the city in an era of technological and entrepreneurial resurgence.
After standing vacant for more than three decades, Michigan Central reopened in June as a reimagined destination for innovation, mobility, transportation and technology. Photograph from Ford Motor Co.'s Content Center
In early June, Detroit history, innovation and talent were once again celebrated, not only amongst residents of Detroit and its surrounding suburbs, but on a national stage. After standing vacant for more than three decades, the former Michigan Central Station reopened as Michigan Central, a reimagined destination for innovation, mobility innovation, transportation and technology.
Wayne State University is eager to build upon its partnerships and momentum as it launches the inaugural cohort of the Michigan Mobility Fellows (MMF) program, a first-of-its-kind initiative to support mobility innovation and talent attraction and retention in the state. The University stands alongside Michigan Central, the State of Michigan and Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) in working toward a shared goal of re-establishing the state as a global mobility and innovation leader.
Full circle moments
Latina Black, interim director of Detroit Revitalization Fellows (DRF), a leadership development initiative housed within OED, leads MMF’s day-to-day operations and strategy in partnership with CEDAM.
Since DRF’s inception in 2011, 80 Fellows have graduated from the program while simultaneously working at organizations centered around community, civic and/or economic development. The next phase of DRF, along with eligibility and application information, will be shared in the fall.
In the spirit of collaboration, partnership and a true ecosystem, DRF alumni now serve as community leaders in organizations across Detroit, including on the Michigan Central team, working to fully develop the 30-acre campus.
Melissa Dittmer, a DRF Cohort II Fellow, serves as head of place for Michigan Central. In this role, she acts as the hub’s spokesperson and leads a team that oversees all aspects of creating a place for the growing innovation district, including strategy, planning, architecture, design, construction, development, placemaking and programming.
Jela Ellefson, a DRF Cohort I Fellow, serves as Michigan Central’s place development manager. Through her role, Ellefson develops district-wide strategies spanning mobility, transportation, infrastructure, parking, housing, community development and local food systems.
A new fellowship supporting mobility innovation
MMF is a highly selective, 15-month program, which runs from October 2024 to December 2025 and provides a $75,000 annual salary (this amount includes benefits) and professional development opportunities to its fellows. MMF will offer two unique tracks for career advancement: Mobility x Society Innovation and Transportation and Mobility Planning. Both career tracks aim to expose fellows to the public and private sectors to advance and grow mobility innovation in Michigan, while also addressing mobility barriers in ways that can improve people’s daily lives.
The Michigan Mobility Fellows Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative that to support mobility innovation and attract and retain talent in the state. Graphic courtesy of CEDAM
Melvin Henley, a DRF Cohort III fellow, serves as CEDAM’s policy manager. He is also the fellowship manager for MMF and will lead the Transportation and Mobility Planning career track. Black will lead the recruitment and management of the Mobility x Society Innovators career track on behalf of Michigan Central.
The Mobility x Society Innovators track is suited for recent graduates of any degree field that are interested in tech roles. Fellows should demonstrate a commitment to understanding the application of societal benefits to mobility technologies and support the growth and development of early-stage mobility companies located in the Southeastern Michigan region.
The Transportation and Mobility Planning track is suited for recent graduates of any degree field and are interested in working on public transportation projects. Fellows should demonstrate a commitment to understanding transportation equity and will seek to solve public transit and mobility challenges that are inclusive of technology and innovation.
As Wayne State works alongside its ecosystem partners in launching this groundbreaking fellowship program, we continue to work toward our mission of creating equitable economic development and solutions to mobility issues in the region and state.
Applications for the Michigan Mobility Fellows Program are open through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 22. More information and applications can be found here.