If you’ve ever thought STEM and “business” don’t mix, one student’s journey with the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) is here to flip that narrative. Meet Isabella Angelina Aurora Paparella, a student in the U-M College of Engineering and a member of the Perot Jain TechLab: Climate Change cohort. Her journey makes it clear that entrepreneurial thinking can spark the kind of growth you only get from trying something new.
How It All Started
Isabella’s CFE story started with a nudge from a friend.
“I applied to Perot Jain TechLab after I was referred to the program by a friend who has been a part of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ELP),” she recalls.
She didn’t know it then, but that simple referral would be the moment that started shaping how she approaches problems, opportunities, and big ideas.
Redefining “Entrepreneurial Mindset”
For Isabella, an entrepreneurial mindset means seeing challenges as launchpads, not stop signs.
“An entrepreneurial mindset is one that is not hindered by obstacles,” she says.
“Growth comes from events that have gone wrong, and what you did to overcome them.”
Her journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. At the beginning of her time in the Perot Jain TechLab: Climate Change program, Isabella’s entire team dropped out of the program.
“I was working with NX Fuels and their artificial photosynthesis technology that creates green fuels. With my background being environmental engineering, specialized in water resources, creating green emerging fuels from water is something I am extremely passionate about. Because of this, I refused to step down from the program.”
She notes that while her time working without a group was hard to navigate, she’s glad she pushed through.
“I gained invaluable experience that I was able to singlehandedly drive this project before others joined to immerse myself in their technology, motive, and needs. I am so thankful that I did not give up this experience, as it is a pivotal moment in my engineering academics to get a taste of the obstacles I will face post-grad.”
Looking back, she sees that stretch of time as the moment her entrepreneurial mindset really started to take shape, and when she realized engineering doesn’t have to sit in its own lane.
From “Business Skeptic” to Change Agent
Before joining the cohort, Isabella didn’t see entrepreneurship as essential for engineers. It didn’t take long, though, for CFE to change her perspective:
“Prior to this experience, I did not like associating with anything ‘business’ related and saw it as something I wouldn’t need to know in my field,” she explains.
Now, she sees things a lot differently.
“The CFE allowed me to meet venture capitalists and network with successful alumni who completely changed my view of the boundaries of what engineering can be.”
Approaching Graduation
As graduation approaches, Isabella is soaking up every moment.
“I am most excited to spend time with the classmates, roommates, and friends I have made in my final months here. Now that my post-grad life is near, I am getting quite sentimental about every moment. I am doing my best to explore all places and resources I haven’t yet explored before my time is done!”
Advice for Future Trailblazers
If you’re on the fence about diving in, Isabella is here to give you a push.
“I implore others in STEM who have little to no experience in the business and marketing world to explore the CFE programs, as their resources are far and wide,” she enthuses.
She also has some tips for students considering participating in a CFE Trek:
“If you have signed up for a trek, talk to everyone. I was part of the Seattle Trek, and it was truly an amazing experience. We were able to meet so many successful alumni in their entrepreneurial companies, see the Space Needle, have amazing food, ice skate, and more.”
What truly made her experience incredible, though, was the people she met along the way.
“Most of all, I had so much fun interacting with all the other students at the CFE. The staff at CFE are the kindest souls and truly want to see every student thrive in their specialties. They have such amazing advice, so if you feel awkward in the beginning, just join them in the meantime,” she offers.
CFE is all about community! Step in, ask questions, get out of your comfort zone, and you’ll find your people.
What’s Next?
Isabella has exciting changes ahead! After graduation, she’s moving from Ann Arbor to New York City to work as a Water Resources Engineer in consulting at Arcadis.
“I will also be mediating with the marketing asset group regarding projects, funding, and design life, she says, adding, “I would’ve never considered marketing assets without the CFE!”
What a journey it’s been! Isabella is bringing her passion for environmental engineering, an entrepreneur’s mindset, and a love of marketing into her next chapter.
Isabella’s story is proof that anyone, regardless of their major, can thrive with entrepreneurial skills and a strong sense of community. If you’re curious, passionate, or just ready to stretch your imagination, the Center for Entrepreneurship is your space to level up. Explore, connect, grow, and maybe you’ll find your own pivotal moment.
Ready to write your own story? Learn more and jump in!