Sarah Gretter
Sarah Gretter Atkinson (she, her, hers) - Director
Systems thinker. Problem solver. Go-G(r)etter.
As the director of the Apple Developer Academy in Detroit, Sarah works at the nexus of user experience, learning sciences and curriculum design to create educational experiences that align with 21st century realities. Whether conducting research around student experience or connecting with industry and community partners, Sarah thrives where complex challenges and meaningful relationships intersect.
Prior to leading the Academy, Sarah was the associate director at Michigan State University’s Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology and led large-scale, campus wide learning experience design projects.
Sarah earned an Ed.M. in Education from Harvard University; a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University; and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Literary Studies from Purdue University. When not at the office, Sarah can be found spending time with her children and cooking French food for them.
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What would your fellow mentors say your greatest strengths are?
They would say that I take learning experiences seriously and that sometimes it means having difficult conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion in education. I think my colleagues would say that I’m open to acknowledging and facilitating these conversations.
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If you were to offer students one piece of advice as they start their journey at the Academy, what would it be?
Learning is beautiful and full of mistakes. Trust the process, embrace it and you’ll come out successful.
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Have you always wanted to work in tech? What is your personal history with tech?
I have always been fascinated by how technology allows us to share our own stories. I got my degree in ed technology to work with students at the intersection of creativity and computing to develop the agency to tell their own story.
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What was your experience with coding, tech, iOS, or entrepreneurship before the Academy?
Prior to the Academy, I led the launch of the iOS Design Lab on MSU’s campus. It is a learning experience that merges coding, design and business in the Apple ecosystem. I enjoyed seeing how much interdisciplinary thinking happens with students in that space, and how coding, design and business come together to solve challenges the students are passionate about.
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What made you want to be a mentor? What are you most excited about?
I am most excited about seeing students occupy the space and making it their own. I can’t wait to see partnerships emerge and ideas become real-life projects.
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Where are you from and where do you live now?
I am originally from France and have lived in the U.S. for over 15 years. I recently moved from East Lansing to Detroit.