As we celebrate International Women's Day today (March 8) as a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, I am reminded how important my work with the Girl Scouts is and the impact that I am leaving on their lives.

Data shows:

• Over 80% of Girl Scouts say that Scouting has helped them to feel more confident in taking the lead
• 94% of Girl Scouts say they feel like they can play a part in addressing issues important to them
• 3 out of 4 girls say that because of Girl Scouts they have become a leader in more activities with their friends, classmates, and their communities
• 71% of Girl Scout alumni consider themselves competent and capable, compared to only 55% of non-alumni who feel the same

WAGGGS reaches 10 million girls and young women in 146 countries across five regions. Together, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world. Their mission is to enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world, and their vision is for all girls and young women to be valued and to take action to change the world. And they've been transforming lives around the world for more than 100 years.

Together Girl Scouts and International Women's Day aim to empower girls and young women to stand up and speak out on issues affecting them, and they support girls to be leaders and make positive choices.

And to-date, Girl Scouting has an impressive track record:

• 2/3 of U.S. Congresswomen were once Girl Scouts
• At least 80% of women business owners were Girl Scouts
• Nearly every female astronaut who has flow into space was a Girl Scout

With leadership is at the core of Girl Scouting, leaders like myself aim to provide girls with dynamic and flexible training in life skills, leadership and citizenship all to develop the world's future female leaders.


How to Celebrate International Women's Day the Girl Scout Way:

1. Buy Cookies! Did you know the Girl Scout Cookies program is the largest girl-led business in the world? And that it teaches and builds some of the most important business skills the girls will use their entire lives? Through Cookie sales the girls practice goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Even our girls, 2nd and 3rd graders, learned and practiced daily "elevator speeches" and perfected their sales pitches to be used individually and during our troop cookie booths. We worked on our math skills by totaling orders, making change, and keeping an inventory of what cookies we had in stock. We also mastered customer service by making sure every girl was courteous, polite, helpful and knowledgeable about the product. This is how the next generations of entrepreneurs and leaders is created! Click here to find where to buy Girl Scout Cookies near you. Or if we know each other personally and you're in the area, let me know and my troop would be happy to sell you some cookies!

2. Make a Donation - If you're interested in being a part of International Women's Day's support of Girl Scouting and the entire WAGGGS community, consider making a donation. Your support helps deliver high quality programs and campaigns that provide girls and young women dynamic, flexible and training in life skills, leadership and citizenship. Click here to donate through International Women's Day. For more information on the partnership, click here.

Well today's the day... I made it around the sun another time to celebrate my 28th birthday!

The last several years I've written a list of things I want to accomplish before my next birthday. I went though last year's list this morning and I guess it went okay but I think I can do better this year!

1. Live More Minimalist-icly - Over the last few weeks I've noticed that we have accumulated a lot of stuff in our house. Stuff we don't need, things we've never used, and stuff we'd never miss if it disappeared. I really want to downsize my belongings and live more simplistic. 
2. Travel More - This always makes the top of my lists. All I want to do is see the world.
3. Make a Leaded Glass Window/Insert/Something - This is something that I've been wanting to do for awhile but I've never the the research on classes and how to actually get it done. I'd like to figure all that out and make something for the house. 
4. Have My Dog Certified as a Therapy Dog - Our training this year has been going to well with Juneau. Ultimately I'd like to see her working as a Therapy Dog or Emotional Support. Or maybe we'll just volunteer at the library for kids to read to her.
5. Clean Out My Closet - Seriously, I still own (and sometimes wear) clothing that is over 10 years old. I don't do it out of necessity but instead it's because I have a hard time letting go. A donation bag starts today!
6. Complain Less - I'm really bad at complaining for the sake of complaining. It's not that I'm unhappy it's just that I need to focus more on the good in a situation than the bad.
7. Have a Successful Growing Season in the Greenhouse - Last year we got our plants in late Spring and they did alright. This year I'd like to get the greenhouse up and running as early as possible and get the watering system working too.
8. Give Canning a Real Try - Last fall I tried canning for the first time and it went pretty well. I made applesauce. I'd like to do some canning using things from our greenhouse.
9. Get to the Gym More - Seriously. I have so many good excuses why I can't go. I just need to suck it up and go because being physically fit is part of being a healthy adult.
10. Tackle a Home Improvement Project on My Own - This year I stained and finished our front door but in the next 12 months I want to take on a bigger job!
11. Take My Vitamins - Why is remember to take a few harmless vitamins every day so hard?! I feel so much better when I'm taking them so I really need to make them priority... starting tomorrow.
12. Become More Involved in the Industry - So whether that means the automotive industry or communications and PR, I want to do something that gets me more involved with the world around me.
13. Binge Watch TV Less - Seriously. It can't be good for you! And realistically, there's no prize for finishing first! I'd probably get a lot more laundry done and find time for the gym if I wasn't glued to my couch.
14. Revise Savings Plan - My plan for my personal savings has really been on autopilot since I bought my house 3 years ago. A lot has changed since then and I really could be doing more to save and invest my savings.
15. No Phone an Hour Before Bed - I made this a goal for last year but it didn't happen. Studies show you'll sleep better if you "power down" and hour before hitting the hay.
16. Try Rock Climbing - I have no upper body strength but I looks fun so I'd like to give it a try!
17. Pack My Lunch More - I have been doing good so far this year (27 days and counting) of packing my lunch for work but before that I bought more than I brought. 
18. Go On A Road Trip - I just want to spend a few days driving around, covering a lot of land, and stopping along the way to see local attractions. No real plan. Just a whole lot of fun.
19. Wake Up Earlier - I've gotten into a really bad habit of staying in bed until the last possible moment. That stops now.
20. Hire a Cleaning Person - I've now realized that a clean house makes me happy but cleaning the house does not leave me with a sense of accomplished. If it doesn't make you happy, don't do it!
21. Read More - I sadly only read 8 books last year. I really need to work on that...
22. Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen - I just found out that there is a soup kitchen a few blocks from my house. I've lived in this city my whole life and never knew it was there. 
23. Spend More Time Outside - More bonfires. More dinners on the patio. More BBQing. More reading in the hammock. More everything outdoors.
24. Try New Foods - As much as I hate trying new foods. Being a less picky eater is part of adulting.
25. Continue to be Career Oriented - I think one of the most critical moments of my twenties was when I decided to focus more on my career, bettering myself professionally, and living up to my full potential. There's not time to plateau now. 
26. Drink More Water - I struggle with a healthy water intake on a daily basis. I'm literally never thirsty so I forget. Thankfully for my birthday Marc got me a super-tech connected water bottle that monitors how much water you drink and it reminds you when you haven't drank in awhile. 
27. Keep My Car Cleaner - With a ridiculously hairy dog who loves going in the car plus a very active lifestyle, this is easier said that done. My hair often collects all kinds of random stuff from trips or work then gets covered in hair.
28. Worry Less - I focused on this a lot last year and I'll continue to work on it probably for the rest of my life.

I'm very excited and proud to announce that I've officially accepted a promotion with Team Detroit. With this move I will take on a writing role on the Global Team Ford communications team.

This new role will take me away from Ford World Headquarters and bring me in-house to Team Detroit to be part of the Content Factory.

This change has been in the works for months and I've had a hard time not talking about it but the pieces have finally come together and I could't be happier!

I'm really looking forward to this new role, new team, and exciting possibilities! I'm also very proud and pleased to have all my hard work and dedication recognized after such a short time with the company.

Here's to a new adventure!

Last week my Girl Scout troop said "see you later" to each other as we concluded our first season of Scouting. As the girls left with all their badges and certificates, I was very proud of what we accomplished this year.

I am asked a lot why I decided to be a Girl Scout Leader and a lot of it had to do with feeling like I needed to use my good to empower young girls to be strong and to accomplishing something great.

My Journey

In my very short career I've worked my way from the world's largest privately-owned global companies to one of the leaders in the world's oldest and largest consumer industry. I've managed to do this all while running two of my own businesses and finding time to give back to the community. And in my last performance appraisal, I was regarded as "wise and professional beyond her years." But it wasn't until I was awarded, by the Michigan Business and Professionals Association, with the One Person Wonder award that I began thinking about how I got this far in only my early twenties.

About a year or so ago I was catching wind about the Girl Scout organization losing members and losing adult support for the programs. Girl Scouting was also losing funding because of the dwindling memberships. They were closing camps and ending initiatives.

I was a Girl Scout for about 10 years. It's not something I was never embarrassed about but sadly I never highlighted it or talked about my experiences. I remember all the great times I had in Scouts and I began thinking that maybe it was the key to my accomplishments—or at least responsible for my drive and determination.

Girl Scouting Works

Girl Scouting has long been known for its extraordinary effects on girls—both during and beyond troop involvement. In fact, 3 of every 4 girls say that because of Girl Scouts they have become a leader in more activities with their friends, classmates, and their communities.

The statistics prove that Girl Scouting has a lasting effect on women throughout their lives. When women were polled about how they felt about their professional accomplishments, 71% of Girl Scout alumni consider themselves competent and capable, compared to only 55% of non-alumni who feel the same. Also, Girl Scout alumni report higher incomes than those women never involved in Scouting.

And the accomplishments of Girl Scout alumni as individuals are astounding. In fact, 2/3 of U.S. Congresswomen were once Girl Scouts, at least 80% of women business owners were Girl Scouts, and nearly every female astronaut who has flow into space was a Girl Scout.

Empowering Girls to Lead

After reading up on staggering statistics of Girl Scouting success and hearing of the organization's struggles, I knew I had to do something. So I called the Girl Scout Council and started a troop of Brownies, 2nd and 3rd graders.

I know nothing about teaching children, and I don't pretend to, so I enlisted the help of my my cousin Abby, an elementary school teacher and fellow former Girl Scout, to co-lead the troop.

Together we built a curriculum that was fun but also provided them with valuable life skills, confidence, and knowledge that follows in line with the Girl Scouting values of discovery, making connections, and taking action. These three values make up the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.


Through a program centered around the Girl Scout Leadership Experience—a collection of activities and experiences including earning badges, selling cookies, exciting trips, exploring the outdoors, and making a difference—our young girls are able to get a jump start on leadership qualities.

To add to this complexity, Girl Scouting isn't just about "what girls do" but "how" they do them. And Girl Scouting focuses and stresses that troop programs need to be "Girl Led," meaning girls play an active part in figuring out the what, where, when, how, and why of their activities. In partnership with the leaders, girls lead the planning and decision-making as much as possible. This ensures that girls are engaged in their learning and experience leadership opportunities as they prepare to become active participants in their local and global communities.

Through Girl Scouting, they're able to develop and grow their critical thinking, team building, conflict resolution, and acceptance skills from a young age that take them far beyond the skill sets of their peers.

Our Journey, Together

Our troop, which consisted of nine 2nd and 3rd graders, prided ourselves on the overall qualities of being a Brownie:

Our troop was in session for about nine months this season and within those nine months we saw dramatic changes in our girls that are in line with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Girls gain practical life skills.
A lot of people think Girl Scout Cookies Sales are just a fundraiser but it's so much more! Did you know the Girl Scout Cookies program is the largest girl-led business in the world? And that it teaches and builds some of the most important business skills the girls will use their entire lives? Through Cookie sales the girls practice goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Even our girls, 2nd and 3rd graders, learned and practiced daily "elevator speeches" and perfected their sales pitches to be used individually and during our troop cookie booths. We worked on our math skills by totaling orders, making change, and keeping an inventory of what cookies we had in stock. We also mastered customer service by making sure every girl was courteous, polite, helpful and knowledgeable about the product.



Girls seek challenges in the world.
During one of our meetings, we asked our girls where their favorite foods come from and the majority of the troop answered with "the grocery store." After that we took the next several weeks to focus on where our food comes from and how it is prepared. We visited a dairy farm to see how milk, cheeses, and ice cream is made and to learn to milk a cow. We used a juicer to make our own fresh and all-natural juices from apples and oranges. And we visited a local pizza place to learn about what goes into making everyone's favorite food! All of this was a lesson to show that fresh foods, straight from the source is always a better and healthier option. To help the girls get closer to their food source, our troop started a community garden plot to grow our own vegetables.


Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world.
Our troop was made of up girls from all types of backgrounds including family structure type, economical status, special needs, and ethnicity. The girls are all very open about who they are and where they come from and none of them saw each other any differently because to them we are all Girl Scouts.


Girls feel connected to their communities.
Our first show of support for our local community and the Girl Scouting sisterhood was though a public display during the local Christmas Parade. They walked alongside our banner and waved to the community, proudly representing Girl Scouts. To become even more involved in the community, the girls joined the local community garden where they have a plot of land to grow their own vegetables so they can continue learning about where our food comes from and how it is prepared.


Girls advocate for themselves and/or others.
Amidst all the fun and exciting activities, we suffered the loss of one of our Scout's parents. Despite everything she was going through, the one place she wanted to be was at Girl Scouts. The sisterhood and support the girls provided is amazing!

An Honor to Lead

Now that our first scouting season has come to an end, I couldn't be more pleased with what we've accomplished. And it doesn't help that we are getting a lot of great feedback from our parents too.

Just think, one day, one of these girls could be the next industry leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner, President, or groundbreaking scientist. They could change the world. The possibilities are endless. These girls are our future. So to be a part of this organization and to work with these girls, is an honor and a privilege.

To learn more about Troop 7169 and to watch them grow and learn, follow us on Facebook.

This weekend I launched my new website for my freelance business, www.KatelynDavis.com, and I couldn't be more excited.

Whether it was coincidence or not, I received a message through the new site within hours about a new freelance gig so I'd say things are working out just great!


The new site includes information about my social media strategy and web content development services as well as the most notable pieces of my portfolio and blog.

I am proud to announce the relaunch of Adventures in Homeownership!

A Guide For Your New Adventure

Are you a first-time homeowner? Or are you contemplating becoming a homeowner for the first time?

No matter where you are in the homeownership journey, whether you're just now thinking about it or you just got your keys, being a young, first-time homeowner can be scary!

You're suddenly responsible for a lot more things than ever before. And you have to make decisions that will dramatically impact you financially for a very long time. And since this process is something you've never experienced before, it's enough to make your head spin.

Let me guess, you've tried googling everything and it's still so complicated, right? That's because it is written by experienced professionals who don't understand that you're just a twenty-something who is just figuring out that mortgage has a 'T' in it! It's so over your head, you have no idea where to start.

No worries, start here.

The right kind of information when you need it most.

AiH has information written and curated by all types of first-time homebuyers to fit any timeline. We have resources that will help you months, or even years, before making your purchase to help you adequately prepare for the new responsibilities including budgeting and other financial elements, house hunting, and more.

And we don't stop there! Once you've signed on the dotted line, AiH has information on home improvement projects, keeping inline with your budget, and stories of our contributors' heartache and joy from their journey of being a homeowner.

Beyond DIY and home decor.

Adventures in Homeownership thinks beyond the typical and trendy do-it-yourself projects and home decor hacks to provide readers, both perspective homebuyers and new homebuyers, with insight to hopefully prepare them for what lies ahead in their journey. Owning a house is so much more than finding the perfect couch or trying the one million uses for vinegar, it's about your personal journey in prioritizing, finances, decision making, and making a smart investment that is sure to impact your life for many years to come.

We're not experts, we're just like you.


The AiH contributing writers don't claim to be experts in anything other than an expert of their own story. By telling our stories, we hope to help and maybe even educate the new homeowners that are following the same journey. We all understand how daunting this commitment can be and we're here for you through it all.

Interested in sharing your adventure?

Join us and share your journey on Adventures in Homeownership! We are always looking for contributing writers to share their advice on any piece of the homeownership rollercoaster. If you're interested, shoot us a message!

I'm very proud and excited to annouce that myself, along with my Ford Compensation and Benefits team, have been awarded Ragan Communication's Best Benefits Communication Award for our creation of Ford's Benefits eGuide.

On my first day as a Team Detroit employee working with Ford Motor Company, I was handed a brand new project which was a redesign and refresh of printed booklet Ford mailed to employees to explain their benefits and prepared them for the annual Open Enrollment period where they would have to make their benefit selections.

Together with the Ford Compensation and Benefits communications team, we developed a digital, interactive guide that walks employees through all of their benefits and retirement options as well as outlines the steps for Open Enrollment. The 2015 Benefits eGuide was born!

Our interactive 2015 benefits enrollment guide, which is accessible outside the company firewall on desktop and mobile devices, provides a one-stop shop for benefits information from wherever employees (or the family members responsible for decisions) happen to be.

The eGuide features tabs employees can click to seamlessly move through the materials, identifying what they need to know before enrolling, the various choices available to them, and easy-to-follow instructions for completing their enrollments online. Links to calculators and other tools enhance the document, which is also available in printable versions for workers without online access (or with a preference for print).

A comprehensive communication campaign accompanied the revamped enrollment, which resulted in a significant reduction in the number of calls to the service center and a high rating in a follow-up survey. Ford was also able to tout the ecological benefits of a mainly digital enrollment guide while reducing the cost of production, print, and mailing. And because the document was crafted as an informational resource, it serves employees year-round, and is part of the new hire toolkit.


Ragan writes, "In addition to a sound strategic plan and good, measurable outcomes, the production values of the finished guide blew away the competition"

Recognized for our outstanding work producing what is often a dry, officious communication, Ragan's 2014 Employee Communications Award for Best Benefits Communication was awarded to Ford Motor Company. Congratulations to Catherine Biondi (Ford), Kathleen Hurt (Ford), and Katelyn Davis (Team Detroit), along with our counterparts at Xerox.

Ragan Communications has been the leading resource and publisher of information about corporate communications, internal communication and employee communications for three decades.

One of their most popular award programs, the Employee Communications Awards draws hundreds of the finest internal communicators from around the world. The entries demonstrated the many extraordinary ways that internal communicators are informing and engaging employees. This year’s program offered awards in categories covering digital and print publications, videos, intranets, employee communications and more.

I'm excited to announce the launch of my new website for my freelance business at www.katelyndavis.com.

If you hadn't visited the old site, trust me when I say this is a HUGE improvement. It had been neglected for many years because the content management system I was using was out of date and too fussy. But now, it's back and looking as beautiful as ever with a new design and new branding!


The site includes a little bit about me, my resume and portfolio, as well as an RSS feed to katelynshelby.me and a simple way for perspective clients to contact me.

Please take a second to visit www.katelyndavis.com and let me know what you think!

Today I'm celebrating my 27th birthday! I spent the last few days celebrating in Florida for a long weekend, swimming with the manatees, but now I'm back at work and to the real world where I'm thinking over my goals for my 28th year on this planet.

**UPDATE from 28th Birthday** Progress indicated in green.

1. Be more spontaneous. I'm the person who likes to make an hour-by-hour itinerary for trips. Although it's great to be prepared, I'm starting to learn that good things happen when you go with the flow! [I still overly plan trips, but I've learned to live by the seat of my pants (a little bit)]
2. Read more. [According to Good Reads, I read 8 books which is probably 4 more than last year.]
3. Take better care of my body. I have been lucky enough to have a fast metabolism my entire life (so far). I'm lucky enough to eat whatever I want, whenever I want and never go to the gym (even though I renew my membership every year). But my whole life people have been telling me, "Don't worry, it will catch up with you" and I don't know if/when that will be so I guess I should start being a little more proactive. [I failed.]
4. Expand my businesses. More jewelry and more freelance. Business is going well!
5. Learn to drive a manual transmission. [Thanks to the incredible patience of my cousin, Tyler, and my dad I've learned to drive a stick. I still need more practice but that's what the Mustang is for!]
6. Go camping. In a tent. [Sorta... long story]
7. Unplug. I need to get better at unplugging at night. Put down the phone, turn off the TV, and just relax. [Some days are good, some days are bad.]
8. Be more handy around the house. We have so many power tools that I've already learned to use but I'm not very confident in my skills. I'd like to build something. Or learn how to do all those things I still call my dad to help with. [Overall I'm not as far along with this one as I had hoped. Although I did stain our front door instead of hiring someone and it looks amazing!]
9. Learn to cook. [I failed. But then again can you really fail if you truly have no interest?]
10. Try a hobby with Juneau. I'd really like to get Juneau involved with urban mushing or into a therapy dog training course. [Neither. However Juneau did start a new round of intermediate training which is a step towards therapy dog training. She graduates next week.]
11. Keep up with laundry. [This is terribly hard but I'm trying to make it work.]
12. Stop killing all my house plants. [I have an 60% success rate.]
13. Try new things. New foods, new activities, new ways of life. [meh.]
14. Go on more trips. Even if they are just weekend or day trips. We need to get out of the house more. [Summer 2015 was our summer of trips! We kayaked two great lakes, spent some time in the Canadian wilderness, explored Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and hiked Hocking Hills.
15. Cut the grass. Just once. Just so I can't say, "I've never used a lawnmower" ever again. I don't necessarily have to cut the whole lawn, just a part of it... just enough to count. [Again, does it really count as failing if you really had no interest in ever doing it?]
16. Have a kick ass greenhouse in my backyard. And not kill all the plants. [Greenhouse? Done! Keep the plants alive? Kinda, sorta.]
17. Spend some time in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. [We spent some time this summer in the UP and it was amazing. We hiked the Hiawatha National Forest and kayaked Pictured Rocks.]
18. Worry less. [I try.]
19. Volunteer more. There are so many people and causes out there that could use more volunteers. [Second year Girl Scout leader going strong!]
20. Wake up earlier. [I try.]
21. Learn about more options for investing money. [There's always more to learn here.]
22. Be more active. More trips to the gym or yoga studio. More long walks or hikes with Juneau. More bike rides. Do anything that keeps the dent I put in the couch cushion this winter from getting any worse. [I really need to get to the gym more.]
23. Eat breakfast. I know, I know. It's the most important meal of the day but I've never really cared for eating when I first wake up. [This has been going okay. Free bagels at work really helps though.]
24. Push myself harder in my career but find better balance. [Always actively pushing.]
25. Geocache more. Geocaching is a great way to get out and get active. It's a great activity for us to do to get with Juneau too and explore new places. [I tried Letterboxing with my Girl Scout troop which is very similar.]
26. Learn something new. Anything. Last year I learned how to make jewelry and run a business doing so. [I tried woodburning, candle making, and canning.]
27. Be happy. This isn't something I generally have an issue with but it's nice to remind yourself to leave the past in the past, keep moving forward, and you are in control of your own happiness. [Every day.]

I am so proud of where I am in my life. I'm 26 and I have a well-established career, own my own business, own a house, and I'm doing as much community service work as I can to help mentor those younger than me.

I feel like I have already accomplished so much in the first half of my 20s that if I'm not careful, I might become complacent and plateau. So in an effort to work towards continually progress, professionally and personally, here are my 10 resolutions for 2015:

1. Read one book a month (minimum)
2. Stress less
3. Drink more water
4. Push my freelance business more
5. Spend more time outside
6. Cook more
7. Create more
8. Unclutter, physically and emotionally
9. Get back to yoga
10. Be bold, be brave, be humble

This week I was honored as the recipient of The Michigan Business and Professionals Association's the Best of MichBusiness award as a "One Person Wonder" for my work/life balance between my career at Ford Motor Company and Team Detroit in Corporate Communications, freelancing in social media and public relations, owning and designing for Urban Solstice, and my volunteer and community work as a 313Dlove Board Member and a Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Troop Leader.

To me, it still seems crazy that I am able to keep all these balls up in the air at once and I'm thrilled that it has been recognized by my peers for it. Sometimes I just think I'm crazy for never saying no to a project and for always wanted to try something new but as it turns out, I'm not crazy at all and people admire the trait.

I am very excited to announce that in a few weeks I will be honored as the recipient of The Michigan Business and Professionals Association's the Best of MichBusiness award, "One Person Wonder," for my work/life balance between my career at Ford Motor Company and Team Detroit in Corporate Communications, freelancing in social media and public relations, owning and designing for Urban Solstice (my jewelry company), and my volunteer and community work as a 313Dlove Board Member and a Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Troop Leader.
I'm really just thankful for all the amazing people I've been able to surround myself who are passionate, who never look at me like I'm crazy, and who are always there to lend a hand.

There has never been a truer statement.

Life is short. Work somewhere awesome. 

You will spend the majority of your waking moments at work so you should be doing something you love, in a place you love, surrounded by people you respect that you can mutually support and grow alongside.

Thankfully I have had the privileged of starting off my career at an awesome place. I was given a chance right out of college to do something that I had only done in theory in the classroom. I was given a place to learn, grow, and expand. I was mentored and pushed to do new things. I was able to work alongside some of the brightest minds I have met to date. I was introduced to people and new ideas that have changed my world. I was allowed to take my ideas and make them a reality. I was able to mentor students and share my passion. I was able to have my work viewed globally. It was here that I gained the confidence I have today. It is safe to say that I have been lucky enough to work somewhere awesome.

With that being said, I am sad to announce that I am leaving the company that has done so much for me over the last three and a half years.

This company gave me my first job, during a dismal economy. They took a risk on someone fresh out of college with no real corporate experience. I will always be eternally grateful for this. During my time here I have grown immensely, both professionally and personally. My time here has opened my eyes to the automotive industry, where I am sure my career will remain. I will forever be thankful for every person who has taken the time to mentor me and help me get to this point.

I am able to recognize that there is so much  I do not know but need to know to reach my goals and I must do what is necessary to forge my path. As I enter the next stage of my career, I aim to seek out new skills and increase my level of experience in all aspects of the industry so I can become a more well-rounded communications professional. I will continually challenge myself to do more, learn more, and grow.

I have no idea where the future is going to take me. I only hope I will be able to continue to work with awesome people in awesome places. Because life is short.

For those of you who follow this blog regularly, you may have noticed my lack of engaging posts. I apologize for that and I would like to share with you what has been filling a lot of my time for the last few months.

Other than handling my own PR and running a social media "street team" of fashion bloggers, this new hobby is pretty far from being a social media or tech endevour in which I'm typically involved.

With that being said, my new hobby is no less creative...


I present to you, Urban Solstice -- a minimalist jewelry company.

Statement Rough Cut Diamond Ring

I have been designing jewelry for myself, off and on, for about a year or so. I had never really thought much about starting a business around it since I already have a career in social media and public relations that I am very busy with and dedicated to. Then in December I started designing more as a way to combat cabin fever (Michigan’s winter has been brutal this year) and in January I opened up shop. Being in the jewelry business is no stranger to me. I worked through college for my uncle who is a traditional jeweler handling his sales, customer service, and inventory. I guess you can say jewelry has always been a love of mine.

Three Stone Natural Jade Necklace

My inspiration
I find my inspiration in the stones themselves. Having previously worked with my uncle who is a jeweler I’ve spent a great deal of time around beautifully cut gemstones and other precious stones, but there is something to be said about uncut, imperfect, rough and raw stones. They are so naturally beautiful even with their imperfections so I try my hardest to find the best way possible to showcase each of the stones’ unique qualities. I’m also inspired by minimalism and geometric shapes which I think you will see a lot of in my work.

Crackle Quartz Nugget Bracelet

The difference
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Petite Rough Cut Diamond Ring

I don't generally write about automotive because I'm not a "car girl," I'm simply a PR girl who fell into working in the automotive industry. But last week after attending the 2013 Michigan Automotive Summit (MAS) sponsored by MichAuto I was inspired to share my experience with as many people as possible.

This was the first of what will be a yearly, all day summit featuring high level speakers from industry, academia, and government agencies. This year's theme among speakers was a resurgence in the automotive industry in Detroit, how to get the younger generation excited about automotive, and the technological advancements in automotive's near future.

The day was filled with top notch presenters that came together to form a really big sales pitch for the automotive industry and all I kept thinking was: I want to share this with all my friends. No. I HAVE to share this with everyone.

The automotive industry is ideal for new grads. 

So many of my friends, family, and online connections who recently graduated and are still trying to figure out where they belong. When I suggest automotive, I always hear comments like "I don't know anything about cars," or just a plain "No thanks."

If you live in Metro Detroit, like me, then chances are at least one of your parents worked in the industry and at least half of your neighbors did too. The automotive industry in Detroit was huge and booming and then it wasn't anymore and then it laid off nearly its entire workforce. At the time, most of us were in college and family fiances got tough and things didn't go as planned so we swore off automotive. It turned our lives upside down in a bad way. We insisted we wouldn't fall victim like our parents.

Yes, the automotive industry did take away your parents and all these other peoples' jobs but the automotive industry is one of our country's oldest and largest manufacturing sectors in U.S. history -- always has been and always will be. And now, it's growing again! Here's some soundbites for you:

• There is a potential for growth of 100,000 jobs in Michigan for mobility technology by 2025. That's a lot of jobs! 
• Right now, 8 million private sector jobs can be traced back to the automotive industry. 
• An undisclosed Asian OEM Executive said, "We go to Michigan because that's where the engineers are." That means Detroit is still known for automotive, globally, despite everything that has happened. 
• Of the $29 billion in automotive investments made in the U.S., $21.5 billion were made here. Everyone is investing in Detroit.

I never would have seen myself working in the automotive industry. Sure my mom works in the industry, my dad is a life-long, die hard Ford guy, and I grew up at Detroit Dragway watching my him race but I wanted to be in the tech industry. Maybe a start up. I wanted to be part of a high tech world. I wanted to be a part of something that made a difference in the world. I wanted to make a difference! Sound like you're kind of career? Think about this:

• The automobile is one of the most high-tech consumer products on the market combining not only the obvious engineering but also new media digital applications including web and mobile phone connectivity and other smart technologies. 
• Michigan is the leader in automotive research and development in the U.S. with $12 billion spent last year. Michigan ranks second globally behind Japan. And we are the leader in tooling with 1 in 3 U.S. tooling centers calling Michigan home. How's that for innovation?!
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has a goal of zero fatalities from traffic crashes and right now, thanks to the innovative people in auto, this isn't so far fetched and might be achieved in my lifetime therefor making the roads safer for me, my kids, and millions of people around the world. 
• Then there are autonomous vehicles. Cars that drive themselves. Can you even believe it? Mind blown. And Snyder says the standards for these vehicles have to be established in Michigan first... we are the Motor City, of course!

MAS is the TEDx of the automotive industry.

As a young professional working in the automotive industry nothing excited me more than listening to these influential people speak and being surrounded by such passionate individuals. And this event couldn't have been at a better time and place. Automotive is the heart of Detroit and right now automotive and Detroit are in the middle of a rebirth. We need more of these types of people and these types of events to keep the city and the industry moving forward.



Below is a review of this year's speakers and panelists:

• Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
  Automotive Michigan's Foundation - Persevering through the Great Recession, the automotive industry demonstrated unparalleled resiliency and adaptability. As a result, automotive innovation, investment and job creation are leading factors in the revitalization of Michigan’s economy. One of the fastest growing economies in the U.S., Michigan’s automotive future is bright and the state is supporting its foundational industry by developing an aggressive strategy to enhance its place as the epicenter of the growing global automotive industry.
  
• Jay Baron, President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research
  Paving the Way: Automotive Economic Growth - From tax revenue and investment to job creation and spin-off development, no state has stronger ties to the automotive industry than Michigan. With global demand for automobiles increasing, researchers are forecasting production and employment growth for the foreseeable future. Michigan is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Hear from a leading automotive expert on the economic impact of the automotive industry in Michigan and the opportunities that exist to expand the state’s supply chain footprint.
  
• Competitive Advantage: Research and Development
  Panel: Thomas Apostolos, President, Ricardo, Inc. - Osamu “Simon” Nagata, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing N.A., Inc. - Jeffrey Owens, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, Delphi - John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Walbridge
  Moderator: John McElroy, Host, “Autoline”
  Innovation has always been the backbone of the automotive industry. As the automobile continues to evolve into the most technically advanced consumer product on the market, Michigan’s automotive research and development capabilities provide the state an inherent competitive advantage. This panel discussion will highlight Michigan companies involved in cutting-edge automotive R&D and explore the advantages of undertaking such projects in Michigan.
  
• The Next Generation: Workforce of the Future
  Panel: Soha Kadry, Engineering Supervisor, Yazaki North America - Brandy Goolsby, Global Commercial Vehicle Business and Product Strategy Analyst, Ford Motor Company - Brian Hunt, Embedded Software Engineer, American Axle & Manufacturing - Sarah Verner, Restraints Design Engineer, Nissan Technical Center North America
  Moderator: Rob Luce, Program Manager, MICHauto, Detroit Regional Chamber
  Michigan’s automotive talent is second to none. Career opportunities for young professionals are endless, ranging from engineering and design to software development and marketing. Hear from a group of recent college graduates who play an integral role in the automotive industry, elaborating on what attracted them to the field and why more young professionals should consider an automotive career.
  

If you didn't already know, I have been sharing my experiences as a first time home-buyer on my other blog, Adventures In Homeownership.

Today I reviewed the Ryobi One+ power tool line. I might not know anything about tools but I thought the review turned out pretty fantastic.

Check it out here!

Just over a month past due... but it's always better to be late than never, right?

I think this same scenario happened last year, my friend Annie's blog reminded me that it was my birthday and I should set some goals for myself. So here they are, my 26 goals by my 26th birthday...

1. Plant a garden
2. Hit 1,000 followers on Twitter
3. Attend a Murder Mystery dinner
4. Create a documentary
5. Take a glass blowing class
6. Adopt a dog
7. Start saving for a vacation overseas with the boyf
8. Enroll in another graduate program
9. Build a private yoga oasis in my house
10. Take my dog hiking
11. Be happy
12. Learn to cook better (or at all)
13. Eat healthy and take my vitamins
14. Learn to use power tools (safely)
15. Volunteer more
16. Install solar panels or wind turbines at my house
17. Get my picture taken with Grumpy Cat
18. Attend another TED event
19. Live more simply
20. Spend more time outdoors
21. Start the classes to become a yoga instructor
22. Have an ice cream social with home-made ice cream
23. Run a marathon... just kidding
24. Rewatch all of Lost
25. Pay the rest of my student loan off in full
26. Be part of something big!

Photo: Fat Mum Slim

So long, 2012! You had your ups and your downs but, overall, you were good to me. As the year came to an end I finally started to feel like I was getting on the right path to where I want to be in my life--both professionally and personally.

I also started to really get focused content on this blog. However, in the process, I've lost a little bit of the "me" factor so I came up with this list of goals for this blog:

• Add more of a personal twist
• Include a more Detroit aspect
• Give things personality!
• Don't be just a content aggregate
• Offer insight

Let's see how this goes! Let's toast to a new year!

I'm sorry I've been a little all over the place lately and a little absent from writing. But I have really exciting news that might smooth everything over...


Well not yet, technically, but I'm well on my way. To chronicle the adventure that is homeownership, I have started a blog to talk about it and ask/get advice. Ultimately, I'm trying to create a resource for young, single women (like myself) to use as a guide to buying and owning their own home. There's no reason to wait to be in a serious relationship or get married. The time is now! It's a buyers market! And there is nothing more empowering than taking charge of your life and make something for yourself!

So please join me in this insane journey:

When I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2010 and moved back home to Detroit I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I studied hard for four years to earn my Bachelor of Science Degree for Advertising and Public Relations but I couldn't find a job. Before I found employment a year after graduation, I had applied for some 200 jobs and went on dozens of interviews. The job market was tough back then (and still is). So I decided to go back to school and I really wanted to find a program in social media to give me a boost above the competition--that's when I found this great new program at Wayne State University in Detroit.

WSU's College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts offers a Communication & New Media Graduate Certificate program in which focuses mainly on online and digital communications. I completed the program last semester (but I wish I could do it all over again!).

The Communication & New Media Graduate Certificate Program emphasizes theory, production, and application of new media technology. The program reflects developments in communication, computer, and telecommunications technologies.

Admission requirements for this program are as follows:

• An earned baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing
• Adequate preparation with discernible ability to pursue graduate studies in the major field elected
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper division coursework
• Personal statement regarding interest in the program

Once you're admitted into the program you have to complete 12 credits from the following courses (these might change from semester to semester) all of which are 3 credit courses (with exception to the last two listed (4) and the individual project):

• New Media Practices (required)
• New Media Theory (required)
• Publishing on the Internet
• Audience Measurement and Survey Techniques
• Dispute Resolution and Communication Technology
• Journalism and New Media
• Advanced Desktop Publishing
• Individual Projects
• Facilitation of Online and Face-to-Face Learning
• Public Relations and Social Media
• Message Design and Display
• Foundations of Distance Education

My favorite two classes were the two required courses New Media Practices and New Media Theory. The instructor that was assigned to those classes at the time was extremely knowledgeable and kept abreast of the quick changes in tech and media. We did a lot of exercises around augmented reality and virtual worlds which is refreshing when I feel like I'm always bombarded with the Big 3 (Facebook, Twitter, and blogging).

I also enjoyed the Public Relations and Social Media course, in which I took as my final course. This one is an exception to the rest--this class allowed for undergraduate students to register without any prerequisites even though it was a high numbered/level course. In my opinion this was an awful decision by the university. This opened the gates to undergrads of all disciplines asking questions like "How do I tweet?" during discussions about using Twitter for crisis management. You wouldn't go into an upper level physics class comprised of 50 percent graduate students and waste everyone's time asking for an explanation of gravity, would you? But my instructor was great, she kept going through the coursework full steam ahead and helped traditional PR students like myself get a new view on the industry!

I cannot explain just how awesome this program is. Social media programs are getting more and more popular but when I started this one about 2 years ago it was really the only one I had heard of in this area and as far as I know it still remains the most targeted and structured social media program at the university level in Michigan. The biggest perk about this program is that all of the classes are online (with exception of 3 mandatory face-to-face classes at the beginning, middle, and end of the semesters).

I highly recommend this program to anyone who is a new communications, marketing, or advertising grad who is looking to do something after their bachelor's. If you have a true passion for social media you definitely will not have an issue working full time and taking one or two online classes a semester at night.

Click here to find out more information on the GC in Communication & New Media at Wayne State University.

If you have any questions on the program or would like to talk about it, please feel free leave a comment with your email address and I'll contact you as soon as possible.