Next City isn’t just a news website, we are a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire social, economic and environmental change in cities. Part of how we do that is by connecting our readers to urban changemakers and holding an annual Vanguard conference bringing together 40 top young urban leaders.

Name: Regina Ann Campbell

Current Occupation: Managing Director of Place-based Entrepreneurship, TechTown Detroit

Hometown: Detroit

Current City: Detroit

Twitter Tag: @ReginaAnnCampbe

I drink: Coffee topped with steamed soy

I get to work by: Car, sometimes taxi

The area I grew up in is: City. Always loved the city, urban environment, tall buildings, shopping, hustle and bustle.

What is your favorite city and why? Detroit. The people are warm and open to everyone.

Favorite landmark or public space in your city? Spirit of Detroit. This landmark represents the people’s spirit of community, resilience, pride, love, strength.

Did you always want to work in urban economic development? Yes. From the time I was a child I enjoyed going downtown with my parents and siblings. Shopping at the then Kresge’s and Hudson. Eating sandwiches from the deli, waiting in long line to see Santa Claus. As a teenager I began to see the urban business district change, neighborhood stores close, buses become less reliable as I would go downtown to meet Dad and Mom for lunch. I wanted to be a part of bringing back revitalization to the city I fell in love with, I dare say, at birth. I have been an urban planner long before I knew what it was and had a degree or specialty in this area. I mentally documented all the changes, and knew the history and legacy of the stakeholders. So in tune with what was happening in Detroit and took time to view the demolition of Hudson, to say goodbye to the past landmark in Downtown Detroit and hello to the new modern developments that would begin to attract life, people living, working and playing downtown.

What do you like most about your current job? Working with small businesses in Detroit neighborhoods. And, having an opportunity to be a customer of Detroit-based businesses like when I was growing up.

What is the biggest challenge facing cities today? Segregation across race, class, sex and religion. The educational system is broken, kids aren’t prepared for jobs now or jobs of the future.

Regina facilitates a TechTown entrepreneurship youth talk.

What makes a successful leader? A leader that is able to communicate a shared vision, and get people to follow and execute the vision.

What’s your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)? To continue supporting Detroit’s transition into a world-class city where every native Detroiter and visitor feels like they are at home. No one feels different because of race, class, income, education, religion, gender — whether walking, running, riding a bike or driving a car — we feel safe, happy and connected across the same values that contribute to quality of life.

What career advice would you give an emerging urban leader? Push past fear when presented with experiences, people, place or purpose you are unfamiliar with. Do not talk yourself out of opportunities by saying you can’t do it because you have never done it. No one can keep you from your goals but you. Take risk and if you fail, try again but maybe differently.