May 23, 2024

Mitchell Marcello graduated from Drexel’s M.S. in Creativity and Innovation program in 2021. He is now the founder and director of Imago Innovation Firm, and says that the lessons in creativity in the workplace that he learned at Drexel helped him recognize his full potential.

What would you say are some of your favorite things in your current occupation?
The ability to be a creative problem solver, explore new opportunities, and help leaders and organizations imagine and realize new possibilities.

Throughout your time in college, what led you to choose the career you are in now?
Learning about the need and potential for creativity in the workplace was one key factor. I was also given opportunities to work with organizations through design thinking and innovation workshops that unearthed the potential to do this as a full career.

What made you choose Drexel?
The video of Fredricka Reisman explaining the need for creativity and innovation in this world was one of the largest factors. Upon exploring the program, seeing how much was encompassed was another key factor.

How did the coursework you experienced at Drexel impact where you are now?
My courses were challenging while not being overwhelming, which was greatly appreciated. The approach to education is also somewhat distinct, in the sense that Larry Keiser and Fredicka Reisman built a program that tapped into the intrinsic motivation of the students, challenging and allowing myself, as well as the other students to apply what we were learning with our personal and professional lives.

How were the mentors that you worked with during your time in the School of Education significant in aiding your transition from college to your career?
I can't speak highly enough of my professors/mentors. They were professional, relatable, and thoughtful in their work and interactions with students.

How did your time in Drexel’s SoE prepare you for where you are now?
Instead of teaching, I started a business, so this question does not currently apply to me.

What would you say has been your greatest achievement since entering the working world? How did the School of Education prepare you for this?
Starting my own business around creativity and innovation has been a journey, both professionally and personally. Personally, I am proud of the fact that I have lived into the concepts and principles I learned throughout my education. Professionally, I have seen leaders embrace a new form of leadership that incorporates a larger group of voices in creating new ideas and direction for organizations. One of our clients was a retail store seeking to have a better community presence and impact. During a two-hour ideation session, we invited all of the workers to come together to further clarify the challenge and come up with solutions for the problem. At the beginning of our time, there was one participant who was disengaged and shared they weren't creative and had nothing to contribute. By the end of our time, they had some of the best ideas and I later learned they had moved into a more creative role, tapping into her hidden potential. 

What advice do you have for others who are just starting their educational journey in your field?
Curiosity and exploration are two of your best tools, don't forget to use them.

Mitchell Marcello, ‘21
M.S. in Creativity and Innovation
Founder and Director Imago Innovation Firm and First Church Williamsport