As Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Officer at the Detroit Regional Partnership, Jeannine Gant shares powerful insights on Detroit’s transformation into a global hub for mobility and the importance of creating inclusive economic opportunities.
Once known as the "Motor City" for its dominance in the automotive industry, Detroit is rapidly positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of mobility innovation, particularly in electric vehicles and new technologies. It's also emerging as an epicenter for inclusion and growth.
Jeannine Gant, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Officer at the Detroit Regional Partnership, speaks with Robert Wilson about the significance of Detroit’s transformation and its impact on the city’s marginalized communities.
“Detroit has always been referred to as the Motor City. I don’t know if we’re going to change that to the E-Mobility City, but we do want our region to be considered the global epicenter of mobility,” she says. Her vision extends beyond the industry to transforming the entire region, creating an inclusive ecosystem where innovation thrives.
Despite Detroit’s increasing diversity, significant wealth disparities persist, especially among African Americans, Hispanics, and other marginalized groups.
Jeannine reflects on the automotive industry's historical role in creating opportunities for people of color. “I think the automotive industry did a lot for black people in America. It was truly the great migration that saw a significant number of people of color move up to the Detroit area for middle class jobs. And folks were able to buy houses.”
But then came redlining—a discriminatory practice that isolated residents of color and directed resources away from their communities. “As a result, you saw disinvestment in education, healthcare, and other resources,” Jeannine recalls.
“When people left, so did the resources.”
Jeannine emphasizes that rebuilding Detroit’s mobility industry now must be intentional, ensuring equitable access to resources for all. The Detroit Regional Partnership, having secured a $52 million grant from the Department of Commerce, is actively working to revitalize historically excluded communities through opportunities in the mobility sector. By addressing past mistakes, they aim to create an equitable future where everyone can thrive.
“We have a lot of old manufacturing buildings lying vacant, many in historically excluded communities,” Jeannine offers. Her team is focused on revitalizing these areas, allowing new companies to expand and help launch a new mobility ecosystem.
“We're focusing intentionally on historically excluded communities, but we’re not excluding anyone,” she explains. “We ensure that everyone feels included, even those who have historically been privileged.”
“Our goal here is to include everyone.”
Jeannine believes that fostering inclusive growth requires a strong business case for diversity. She argues that inclusivity is not only about social justice but also a practical necessity for driving innovation and business success.
“If I can put the business case in front of you,” she says, “you’ll see the creativity, innovation, and retention that come when you create spaces where people feel like they belong.”
By demonstrating that diversity strengthens companies and communities alike, Jeannine hopes to ensure that Detroit’s transformation is both sustainable and inclusive, serving as a model for how diversity and inclusion can drive innovation and growth.
To learn more about the ways you can get involved with the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, visit tennesseediversityconsortium.org/join-tdc. And be sure to follow Speak Up for Equity wherever you listen to podcasts
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