Deanna Retland (she/her) was born and raised from Detroit, Michigan. She is a Human Biology major in the Honors College at Michigan State University, pre-med track. She is an active member of the Charles Drew Science Scholars, Aspiring Black Women Doctors, and the volunteer committee of the National Society of Black Engineers' volunteer committee at MSU. She is also a scholar in the Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. Deanna has gained research experience via the Readying Youth Scientists for Excellence in Medicine, Health Equity, and Discovery Program, where she explored how language differences contribute to medical misdiagnosis. She has also worked as an intern at the Karmanos Cancer Institute and the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, where she gained hands-on experience with patient care and healthcare systems. Deanna's aspiration is to become a pediatrician and develop a mentorship program that engages youth of color with healthcare professionals for early immersion in the health profession. Her journey is driven by an abiding dedication to equitable healthcare, creative expression, and inspiring the next generation of future physicians. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys creating music and visual art and writing fantasy and thriller novels.