Blog

Name: Gabby Bryant
Hometown: Detroit, MI
University: Harvard University ’12

Head of Community
Development, Dandelion
Detroit, MI
What initially attracted you to Venture for America?
I’m obsessed with Detroit. My obsession for the city is only rivaled by a need to be effective. Venture for America presents an opportunity to make real change in cities all over the US. By focusing on start-ups and broadcasting that young people work and live in these cities, VFA is starting a virtuous circle!
What is the best part of being a VFA fellow?
Getting exposure to people who have started their own businesses. The fact that they share their failures so openly, lets me know that mistake are not only alright, but they’re necessary to get where you want to be. Also the rest of the fellows are amazing!
What does Dandelion do?
Dandelion is a group made up of specialists in operations, strategy, and design, that solely serves community organizations on a sliding scale.
What do you do on a typical day at work?
I make a lot of calls to community organizations around Detroit. I talk about strategies about how to improve them by creating revenue streams, saving money, and branding/messaging. Then my boss and I debrief at the bar next door.
What’s your favorite thing about Detroit?:
The different type of experiences there are. Constraint is the mother of innovation and as much constraint that there is here, there is a spirit that is completely dedicated to improving the city.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time with VFA?
I hope to learn a lot about businesses and design. I want to have a wide range of skills that can help in running a business effectively.