Kelly & Nikolai’s story
movers & shakers
Originally from Fraser, MI, Megan Molloy worked for several years in the Grand Traverse Region before finding her new position with TCAPS.
“I actually saw the Michigan’s Creative Coast job postings on Instagram…I happened to be flipping through one of the posts when I saw the posting for a Communications Manager at TCAPS…I don’t even know if I would have seen or heard about the opening had it not been for that Instagram Post. I think you guys do a wonderful job promoting TC to job seekers, not only as a beautiful place to live, but also as a growing region for creative professionals!”
MEGAN MOLLOY, TCAPS ~ Relocated from Metro Detroit
“I am SO grateful for Michigan’s Creative Coast and Traverse Connect. It has made this transition easier than I could’ve imagined.”
“This program is awesome. I’ve told several people, and they couldn’t believe you guys do this.”
SARAHBETH RAMSEY, BOHO BUSINESS CO. ~ Relocated from Baltimore
The Relocators: 28 Professionals Who Now
Call Northern Michigan Home
“A corporate executive who now leads a well-known, Cleveland-based brand from Traverse City. A University of Michigan grad who moved her innovative sports startup from Ann Arbor to northern Michigan. A local native finding her way home after starting a successful real estate career in Chicago. These are just a few of the stories of Traverse City’s newest movers and shakers – with an emphasis on movers.” – Craig Manning, Traverse City Business News
“Shortly after my move to Traverse City, Michigan from Chicago, Illinois, I heard of Michigan’s Creative Coast and was extended the opportunity to attend the Reconnect event. This program consisted of mentorship and exposure in the Grand Traverse region that allowed me to secure a role with Britten Inc. as a Content Manager. I have been embracing the transition from big corporate to a local family-owned business. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to live in a city I grew up loving!”
MORGAN ULSETH, BRITTEN INC. ~ Relocated from Chicago
Hillary Sawchuk relocated from Los Angeles, and hosts a podcast and YouTube show with 9&10 News called A Drink With… where she sits down with northern Michigan change-makers and influencers. A newcomer to the region herself, Hillary dives into what makes this place and the people here so special.
Chad’s Story
northern navigator testimonials
Reflecting a bit more, I think our biggest concern with moving to TC is not knowing anyone beforehand and being isolated in a new town. Meeting with [my Northern Navigator] alleviated a lot of that fear. It feels like we will be able to quickly get connected to other people in TC who are similar to us. I don’t know of any other city or town offering that type of experience, which is truly amazing!
Chris, newcomer
[My Navigator] was easy to talk to and highly resourceful. She reached out to friends for additional resources to help us out. I sincerely appreciated her time and effort! I commend those who worked to create and implement the Northern Navigator program, as well as the kind people who volunteer. What a fantastic resource!
Laura, newcomer
I love that it felt welcoming like she wanted me to feel like a local as soon as possible and that there was a general welcoming vibe towards new people to the area. I also liked that there were many Northern Navigators to chose from. I am a recent grad of MSU, a 24 year old female, and like to fish/ camp/ go to restaurants so we had all of those things in common, which made it so easy to chat versus someone that is at a different stage in life than I am.
Emily, newcomer
ask your northern navigators
camille hoisington
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Camille made the move to Traverse City with her young family after a decade living in New York City.
AFTER HAVING A BABY, MY FAMILY AND I CRAVED MORE SPACE, ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS, AND A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE. MOVING FROM THE HUSTLE OF NEW YORK CITY TO A SMALL MIDWESTERN TOWN WAS A BIG CHANGE BUT WE HAVEN’T LOOKED BACK. THE BIGGEST SURPRISE TO ME UPON MOVING HERE WAS THE WEALTH OF INCREDIBLY SMART AND INTERESTING PEOPLE I HAVE MET.
Camille’s top tip? I was born and raised in Ireland, where the weather is mostly dull, damp and cloudy year-round. My favourite part of living here is that we get all four seasons. The summers are sunny and warm, the beaches are quiet if you know where to go. The winters are snowy and crisp and gorgeous. In the darker months, cosy up by fire, drink hot chocolate, but also embrace the snow and GET OUTSIDE!
ATTIA QURESHI
Attia grew up in Michigan and attended the University of Michigan for undergrad. However, she pursued professional endeavors across the globe, such as her ongoing conflict resolution work in Colombia’s cocaine-growing region, before being drawn back to her home state.
I NOW CONTEND WITH THE FACT WHILE I CAN NEGOTIATE ON MOST THINGS, THE WEATHER HAS YET TO COOPERATE WIH MY EFFORTS 😉
Attia’s top tip? Find a community to join that can connect you to others. It was a hard transition for me to move to TC after living in San Francisco, Boston and Denver, but I was lucky to have a group of people who connected me and made me feel at home. Using Northern Navigators is a great tool to help with that.
