As an intern in the Community Mobilization Department, Deanna Retland's work primarily focuses on credit for prior learning projects, helping colleges become more accessible for adult learners through recognition of volunteering and job experience as academic credits.
Deanna Retland is currently a sophomore at Michigan State University, where she is pursuing a pre-med major in human biology. She chose MSU because of its diverse and inclusive environment, as well as the wide range of resources available to support her path into the medical field. Postsecondary education is important to her journey, as it serves as the foundation for attending medical school and ultimately becoming a physician. Deanna is motivated to open doors for young people of color by creating programs that provide opportunities to shadow medical and healthcare professionals, ensuring greater access and representation in the field.
Deanna's previous experiences include serving as a day camp counselor at the Boll Family YMCA, where she guided campers through daily activities, promoted teamwork, and created a safe, supportive environment for growth and fun. As a teaching assistant with Wayne State University’s Math Corps program, she created lesson plans, facilitated learning for fifth-eighth grade students, and fostered an encouraging atmosphere for academic success. Through the Readying Youth Scientists for Excellence in Medicine, Health Equity, and Discovery program, she collaborated on research addressing language barriers in healthcare and proposed innovative solutions, including interactive translation technology. Additional internship experiences at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and Karmanos Cancer Institute further strengthened her communication skills and deepened her commitment to service.
Outside of work and school, Deanna engages in volunteer work at her local church, participates as a member of Aspiring Black Women Doctors and the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, and enjoys creative outlets such as art and writing novels.