I am the Economic Development Program Manager for the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3). The WA3 is a non-profit community development organization formed out of a Byway designation through the Federal Highway Administration for the great and historic Woodward Avenue. Currently Woodward Avenue is designated an All American Road the most prestigious road designation any road can receive and is one of 4 urban byways in the country.
The job takes me along the 27 mile stretch of Woodward Avenue working with 11 communities and 2 counties. Meetings consisting of historic neighborhood residents, council members, city planners, business owners, community activists, engineers, political constituents and many more. My position allows me to lead and work on projects that will enhance the functionality and aesthetics of Woodward Avenue and bring investment to the corridor. Projects range from transit, historic preservation, non-motorized activities, economic development, tourism and promotion of the byway. The networking is amazing and knowing the in's and out's of what new businesses or developments that are popping up always gives me the inside scoop. Our organization is guided by a staff of 3 young female professionals and a board of directors ranging from business owners, county representatives or municipal seats. There is a lot of energy among our staff which makes our small team productive and transparent.
I feel very lucky to have found this position in the my field of Urban Planning as planning is my passion and working in such a capacity allows me to focus on a regional planning approach. I live in Detroit now at the historically preserved Kales building! Going to work is not like reporting for a daily job it's like being able to do your favorite hobby everyday for 8 hours a day and the bonus is you get paid, meet a lot of great people along the way and are working towards making a difference.
| Job Title: |
Economic Development Program Manager |
| Company: |
Woodward Avenue Action Association |
| College: |
Wayne State University, Masters Degree, Urban Planning, Detroit, MI
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| High School: |
Allen Park High School, Allen Park, MI
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