Stewards Magazine

Growing up in Detroit, Taylor Mitchell’s (MS ’24) community was directly impacted by poor air and water quality. This inspired Mitchell to pursue solutions in her career, which led to studying Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS).

“The many concentrations available at SEAS helped me make my decision,” says Mitchell. “I knew coming home and becoming a Wolverine would refine my skills, and learning from the best professors and researchers in the field was a huge plus.”

Mitchell is the sustainability manager at the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, where she leads Port Detroit’s Decarbonization and Air Quality Improvement Plan, works on the Authority’s brownfield cleanup projects, and aids in managing the $24.9 million awarded from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. Mitchell supports efforts to decarbonize the movement of goods in Michigan through purchases of electric machinery and alternative fuel research. This work, she believes, contributes to national efforts transitioning the transportation sector toward sustainable practices.

As a government employee, Mitchell faces obstacles in her sustainability work, including funding availability, political impacts and a lack of resources, but she does have a platform to implement the visionary creativity and passion she developed as a SEAS student and Detroit resident.

“Sustainability is important for every job, every industry and every generation,” says Mitchell. “A sustainable future should have clean air and water for every community; affordable, sustainable options for energy, materials and technology; and preserve this great and beautiful planet Earth.”