DPM Champion Interview, ft. Chanel Domonique
Chanel Domonique, Executive Director & Founder, Hart of Detroit Summer Festival; Vice Chair, Detroit Entertainment Commission; Architect of 313 Day
Your Detroit Story
“Tell us a little about who you are and what first inspired you to invest your energy in Detroit’s community.”
Born and raised in Detroit (the Eastside, lol), I carry the city’s grit and grace into everything I do. I’m a community builder, entrepreneur, and connector who turned early challenges into a platform for opportunity—creating jobs, mentoring young talent, and investing in neighborhood‑led projects that lift people up. My work is rooted in Detroit values: hustle, loyalty, and a belief that talent from our streets can compete on any global stage.
I bring Fortune 500–ready leadership, strategic thinking, measurable outcomes, and a track record of scaling programs, while staying deeply relatable to the next generation of Detroiters who want to beat the odds and build something lasting.
Transportation in Downtown: Then & Now
“In your experience, how has transportation in Downtown Detroit evolved over the years, and what role do you see the People Mover playing in that change?”
Then: Downtown used to feel siloed…business districts separated from neighborhoods, limited late‑night options, and a transit narrative that didn’t always match the city’s 24/7 energy. Commuting often meant relying on cars, which created barriers for talent, customers, and small businesses.
Now: Downtown is more connected, vibrant, and walkable. Investments in mixed‑use development, bike lanes, and transit‑oriented planning have made it easier for people to live, work, and play downtown. The People Mover is a visible symbol of that shift: it’s not just a novelty—it’s a practical piece of the mobility puzzle that links cultural destinations, stadiums, and business corridors, helping reduce friction for employees, visitors, and entrepreneurs.
Role of the People Mover: The People Mover amplifies accessibility and discovery. It creates micro‑economies around stations, supports evening and weekend activity, and signals to corporations that downtown has the infrastructure to support diverse workforces and a modern urban lifestyle.
Favorite Spot Along the People Mover
“Which station or nearby spot along the People Mover route do you love most, and what makes it special to you?”
Station: Greektown Station
Why it matters: Greektown captures Detroit’s dual identity…historic grit and modern reinvention. It’s where food, nightlife, and culture meet commerce. For me, it’s a place to host visiting clients, introduce young professionals to downtown energy, and celebrate wins with the community. The station’s proximity to restaurants, theaters, and event spaces makes it a natural hub for relationship‑building, and for showing potential partners how downtown life translates into talent retention and brand experience..
Hopes & Dreams for Detroit
“When you think about Detroit’s future, what’s one message or aspiration you’d share with the community?”
Detroit’s future belongs to people who combine ambition with community. My aspiration is simple: scale opportunity so that every young Detroiter can see a clear path from neighborhood to boardroom, and to the best live entertainment experiences the city has to offer. That means more apprenticeships, corporate partnerships that hire locally, and investments that prioritize residents first.
I want Detroit to be known not only for comeback stories but for systems that make success repeatable, where Fortune 500 companies find a loyal workforce, and Detroiters find careers that keep them here to build the next chapter.
Fun Finale: Ride with Anyone
“If you could ride the Detroit People Mover with anyone—past or present—who would it be, and why?”
It would be Jay‑Z. I would love to hear his subway stories growing up in the Marcy Projects and compare how different our transit system is, so I can explain Detroit’s transit system and our comeback story… and then get him to invest, lol.
Connect with Chanel
