Wayne State’s Detroit Revitalization Fellows Program (DRFP), an initiative that nurtures promising professionals to help lead Detroit’s economic revitalization and development, launched its second cohort on August 5.

"Wayne State and its partners in the DFRP are eager to see the new cohort's wide-ranging skill sets at work transforming Detroit's communities," commented Ned Staebler, WSU’s vice president of economic development.

The 22 new fellows were selected from a pool of more than 400 candidates. After a rigorous selection process, each was hired by participating employers to work full time in a position related to the advancement of Detroit's physical, social, political and economic environments.

"From diverse backgrounds and perspectives, with already successful careers both locally and across the country, the fellows are poised to build meaningful connections between the city's boardrooms and its street corners around crucial community and economic development efforts," added DRFP Director Graig Donnelly.

The fellows will participate in monthly programming that includes an executive-style leadership development program and critical dialogue with business and community leaders. Thirteen of the new fellows currently reside in Detroit or the metro area, two will be returning home and seven are new to the city. 

For more information about DRFP, visit www.wayne.edu/detroitfellows.