Working with the Barger Leadership Institute on the Detroit Retreat Project management team has been nothing short but a privilege and an honor. This retreat was a significant milestone in my development, as it provided me with the invaluable opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and refine my facilitation and public speaking skills. I have truly discovered a new level of confidence within myself, engaging with others, and as a leader. 

Watching all the student participants file in for our Primer Dinner before the retreat was surreal. I noticed how the students were all able to engross themselves in conversations with the other participants, be captivated by our talk on approaching other communities with cultural humility, and the Detroit team's core values centering mindfulness and dignity in true BLI fashion. 

We kicked off the following weekend with a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts, where Michigan State Representative Donovan McKinney shared insights on staying connected and inspired in fostering resilience among youth was truly motivating. 

One big highlight for me was when we ended our first day with over half of the participants in my studio apartment at our hotel in downtown Detroit, building Lego towers and having them reflect on their Enneagram test results. 

In the spirit of engaging more with the community, we met some incredibly kind and compassionate vendors at the Eastern Market. Which was another hit for our participants as we split up into groups. My group ended up buying 76 honey sticks, and our vendor even gave us more than we ordered–simply because we took the time to chat about their lives and their connection to the market. I also got some Buckeye Popcorn (no regrets.) The Eastern Market truly highlighted the value of collective effort within the Detroit community. 

Another high-value activity that we did was going to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History. The museum provided a deep dive into the history of Black justice and reconstruction, a conversation that is essential in Detroit's history. I also led a vision board activity after our visit, which encouraged students to reflect on how they define resilience in their own lives and the world around them. 

We then took to Hart Plaza with sidewalk chalk, which prompted participants to think about how our art might spark curiosity and warmth in each passerby. Giving us an experience of making public art felt profoundly bridged to the idea that we are creating something that transcends our immediate space, leaving our personal impact beyond our retreat. 

An appropriate way to end off this day was enjoying some pizza at Shields, where many of our participants did the cupid shuffle in front of a live audience. And then going on a nightly, scenic Ghost Tour. 

Sunday morning, the crux of the retreat was our Speaker Panel, where Megan Gregaro, Ashley Tanksley, Stephanie Robinson, and Rebecca Irby. This panel was a powerful moment for our BLI community, showcasing the strength of our alumni network and the inspiration it holds for our students. All shared insights about their lived experience, sparking motivation among our youth as they shared their own strategies on how they take care of themselves. Galvanizing us into action to practice one of our BLI habits of Starting Small. 

We closed out the day with trips to the Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory, a challenging but rewarding yoga session, and dinner at the Detroit Shipping Company. As the retreat came to a close, participants exchanged thank-you notes—an act that extended the spirit of kindness and community we built together throughout the weekend.

In continuation of the gratitude and thank-you notes we shared, I want to thank the incredible team who made this retreat possible. This couldn't have been done without my partner-in-crime, Priya Kalra– your logistical brilliance and calm, grounded energy made all the difference.

I also wanted to thank Shea Ankers and Beth Cain-Toth for their support. Whose leadership and guidance continue to inspire me every day as I define my own path as a leader. I wouldn’t be where I am personally or professionally without the mentorship of BLI’s professional staff. 

When I attended the BLI Detroit Retreat last year, it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. Words can’t fully express how grateful and fulfilled I feel to have helped create that same experience for others this year. Thank you.

Detroit 2025

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