HFC welcomes Volanda Harrison, whose career comes full-circle at HFC
When HFC Human Resources Administrative Assistant Volanda Harrison was invited to come in for an interview at the College, she jumped at the chance because she wanted to work at her alma mater.
“The job description seemed like it was written just for me. I had been job hunting for a little while but had no success. I had almost given up looking, but then I saw the post online for this position, and I just believed it was for me,” recalled Harrison.
Alumna, author, arborist, poet, first responder, wife, mother of 6
A lifelong Detroiter, Harrison is the youngest of three. She lives on the East Side with Deandre, her husband of 25 years. They have six children – whom she jokingly refers to as her “personal Brady Bunch” – ages 14 through 32.
Harrison graduated from Trombly Adult Day High School. In 2023, she earned her associate degree in general studies from HFC (her daughter India earned her associate degree in graphic design from HFC in 2021).
“My daughters convinced me I should finish my degree after working at other schools over the years. They are my superheroes!” she said.
Harrison wrote and self-published a book of poetry called My Mind, My Heart, My Soul in 2006. She also has several certifications:
- She is a Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture.
- She is a Certified Facilitator from the Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 through The Youth Connection.
- She is certified in CPR and First Aid.
In 2026, Harrison plans to enroll at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she will major in communications.
A warm and infectious personality
Harrison has been in the HR field for almost two years. She joined HFC in 2025 and reports to HFC Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. Lisa Bradley.
Harrison’s duties include:
- Assisting with onboarding of new employees
- Uploading transcripts
- Filling out employment verification forms
- Answering calls
- Assisting colleagues with projects as needed
“I am excited that Volanda has joined the HR team at HFC,” said Bradley. “Volanda is a proud HFC alumna who has several years of employment experience supporting human resources and human services agencies in the Detroit area. When you stop by the HR office on the third floor of the Welcome Center, you will experience Volanda’s warm and infectious personality.”
Working at her alma mater is a gift
Prior to joining HFC, Harrison worked at Quest Inc. for under two years.
“I did HR and payroll at a previous job, which was something I wanted to continue to do and learn more about,” she said. “It is a job where you get to help people and stay busy, which I like doing.”
Harrison also worked for Mr. Alan’s in Detroit as a customer service expert and as a member of the support staff at the Judson Center in Dearborn. For more than 10 years, she worked as a customer service representative with Volunteers of America Michigan’s Adopt a Family Christmas program.
Returning to her alma mater is a full circle moment for Harrison.
“All the support and friendliness I’ve received has been amazing,” she said. “The vibe has just been amazing. It feels great, I get to give the support that I was given when I was a student. To be in an environment that makes me feel like I belong, I think that is such a gift.”