Mekdelawit Desta
Student Success & Retention Advocate
Email Address: mekdelawit.desta@ucdenver.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Bio
Mekdelawit Desta joined the School of Public Affairs in 2024 and serves as the Student Success & Retention Advocate. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Colorado State University. Mekdelawit is a Certified Professional Coach working toward the Associate Certified Coach credential through ICF. Her previous work experience includes working as a Learning Program Coordinator, supporting students with high DWF courses, and offering student success workshops to strengthen high-impact learning skills; as a Case Manager offering crisis intervention and well-being support; and as a Student Success Coach working in the area of student success initiative to improve persistence and retention.
Mekdelawit's perspective on educational opportunities was influenced when she learned that only 6.7% of the world's population are college graduates, which greatly influenced why she works in education today. She is deeply committed to creating opportunities for others as they pursue their education and empowering them. She hopes that one day, we can all make inclusive changes in our community and empower future leaders to create change.