In this blog series, we’ll profile some of the people on the stage, behind the scenes and in the audience at TEDxDetroit. Today, we sit down for a quick Q&A with Director of Planning and Space Management for Wayne State University and TEDxDetroit attendee Ashley Flintoff.
Name: Ashley Flintoff
Title: Director of Planning and Space Management
Company: Wayne State University
Socials: @ashleysflintoff
How many TEDxDetroit events have you attended? I think seven or eight – it’s hard to keep track!
What are you looking forward to at this year’s event? Every TEDxDetroit is a chance to recharge my creativity and excitement for innovation.
What advice would you give to a first time TEDx attendee? Be ready and open to listen, learn and grow – sometimes it is the most unassuming talks that stick with you for weeks and months afterward!
Lightning round:
Favorite restaurant? Currently it’s Flowers of Vietnam in SW Detroit
Favorite watering hole? Candy Bar in the Siren Hotel if I want to be fancy, Batch Brewing or Woodbridge Pub if I just want a drink and to hang out
Favorite store? So many to choose from! The Peacock Room/Frida/Yama for clothing and retail therapy, Urbanum for home goods and the new Rebel Nell retail location for my favorite feel-good jewelry!
Favorite pastime? Sailing
Favorite place to take out of town guests? Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut, Belle Isle
Favorite place to visit in Michigan? Pretty much anywhere up north
What are you reading? Research Universities and the Public Good: Discovery for an Uncertain Future
What are you watching? I’m currently loving Mindy Kaling’s Four Weddings and a Funeral miniseries for Hulu and A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO
What are you listening to? It’s always a toss-up but today it’s BB King
Favorite app? The NY Times Cooking app
Favorite TED talk? Lately I’ve been loving Ingrid Fetell Lee “Where Joy Hides and How to Find It”
Favorite TEDxDetroit talk? Jessica Care Moore she has a way of touching your soul with her words and making you want to create a better world for all.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ashley. See you Wednesday, November 6th at TEDxDetroit.