Ben Gellman '14 has spent his four years at Brown exploring the intersections of race, sexuality, urban development, and social change. He is now launching the Motor City Exchange, a startup network of summer fellowship programs in Detroit's social sector.

Q: What is your involvement in social change and how did it start?
A: I grew up in Southeast Michigan, and during my senior year of high school, I started working part time at a community development corporation on Detroit's East Side. Through this work, I got affiliated with a network of really amazing advocates and community leaders who have worked their entire lives to make their neighborhoods better places. I launched Motor City Exchange with some of my Detroit friends as a program to boost capacity at institutions like these, that have committed to neighborhood-based economic development.

Q: What is the most important lesson you've learned through your involvement with these issues?
A: That people are unbelievably willing to connect and chat about ideas. It took a long time for me to open up about my ambitions and ideas but once I did that, I realized how helpful and incredible people could be.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to any college student thinking of becoming a "changemaker"? A: Talk to people that excite you! I have had so many mentors at Brown, who have taught me to be a confident queer man, how to talk about and own up to my passions, and how to be a better friend and listener.

Q: What is your personal mission statement?
A: I strive to make my mom proud and to be supportive to the people that enrich my life.

Q: What's one surprising fact people might not know about you?
A: My goal in life is to open up a gay bar in Detroit.

If you know a Brown student or alum who is making a difference on campus, in Providence, or around the world, nominate them here to see them featured as Changemaker of the Week.