Detroit is redefining what it means to grow — sustainably, inclusively, and for the long term. In this episode of DetroitisTHIS, Ivana Kalafatic, founder of Detroitisit and 2gathr, and Darnell Adams, vice president of Detroit Community Initiatives at the Gilbert Family Foundation, shares how partnerships, green jobs, and community-led design are helping build a city that works for both people and planet.
Hear how:
- -Sustainability and economic development intersect in Detroit
- -Green jobs create career pathways for local residents
- -Collaboration drives meaningful, systemic change
Tune in to explore how Detroit’s story of reinvention continues to inspire cities everywhere.
🎧 This episode of DetroitisTHIS is brought to you by the Gilbert Family Foundation. Please visit them at http://gilbertfamilyfoundation.org to learn more.
About Darnell Adams:
Detroit native Darnell Adams is the Vice President, Detroit Community Initiatives for the Gilbert Family Foundation. He brings more than 10 years of community development, strategic planning, and thought leadership experience to his role. Throughout his career, Darnell has strived to build and adjust resources that directly affect Detroiters. Prior to joining the Gilbert Family Foundation, Darnell served as Vice President, Neighborhoods at Invest Detroit where he led equitable investments in the city’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund districts with a special focus on supporting BIPOC developers. Previously, he served as the Director, Inventory for the Detroit Land Bank Authority where he oversaw the strategic disposition of 94,000 publicly owned parcels. Darnell is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Urban & Regional Planning. Darnell continues to push community development work forward as a board member of several community development organizations across Detroit and shares his work through local, national, and international forums.
