Tope Mitchell

About Tope Mitchell

Dr. Tope Mitchell is a strategist, behavioral researcher, and entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience driving innovation and measurable impact across the tech, retail, nonprofit, and public sectors. She blends deep expertise in business strategy, B2B SaaS sales, early-stage fundraising, product development, qualitative and quantitative research, procurement, grant writing, strategic communications, and DEI-focused program development.As Co-Founder and CEO of Reflekt Me, a venture-backed personalization technology company, she raised over $500K and completed elite accelerator programs including Techstars and AWS Impact. Her leadership scaled inclusive product solutions that helped major brands better connect with diverse consumers.Dr. Mitchell is also a former Assistant Professor of Marketing at Fayetteville State University, where she earned the 2018 Outstanding Course Design and Delivery award. She launched Youth Entrepreneurship Day and Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, and coached students who placed at the HBCU Battle of the Brains. Her classroom emphasized real-world startup strategy, pitch development, and hands-on execution.A recognized builder of teams, ecosystems, and strategy, she has worked with enterprise clients and startups on customer segmentation, market expansion, and inclusive product development. Her work sits at the intersection of research, innovation, and equity.She also co-created a national Indigenous Internship Program for tribal college students and nontraditional learners, with outcomes featured in the 2024 Tribal College Journal. Key Strengths:Behavioral Research & InsightsVenture Capital & Accelerator PartnershipsDEI Strategy & Inclusive Product DesignProgram Evaluation & Strategic CommunicationsFounder Enablement & Community Building Featured Speaker: Microsoft Build, Burberry Women Empowered, Tech Equity Hub, Shoptalk, and Atlanta Tech Week. Author & Contributor: Tribal College Journal, The Future’s Company, and McNair Scholars Journal.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Reflekt Me L Techstars \'23

   Apr 2019 — Present

   We personalize digital shopping experiences using inclusive social proof—boosting sales and reducing returns. Built a diverse tech startup from concept to enterprise launch across the U.S. and Europe. Achieved 70% platform usage, 75% sales conversion, 70% increase in add-to-cart, and 300% engagement boost. Raised $500K+ and earned spots in top accelerators: Techstars, AWS Impact, XRC Ventures. Launched customer experience tech that helps brands show real people (size 14+) enjoying their clothing. Led product development, go-to-market strategy, UX research, and investor relations. Designed inclusive, user-centric digital journeys that increase cart size and lower return rates. Created pipeline programs and storytelling campaigns that drove traction and brand growth. Developed tools, mentorship frameworks, and workshops supporting diverse early-stage founders. Partnered with global startup ecosystems and accelerators, giving Reflekt Me access to thousands of founders. Built and activated community networks, facilitating ecosystem introductions worth millions in potential capital and support. Advised founders and participated in national founder networks to expand visibility and thought leadership. Spearheaded B2B growth and SMB/enterprise campaigns alongside partner brands.Let’s connect if you\'re passionate about inclusive tech, founder-led growth, or reshaping the digital commerce experience for all.

Education

• Fayetteville State University

  Graduate Certificate in Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

  2017 — 2018

• University of Washington

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Sociology and Comparative Ethnic Studies

  2001 — 2004

• Indiana University Bloomington

  Masters degree, Sociology

  2004 — 2006

• Indiana University Bloomington

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Sociology and Research Methods

  2006 — 2011

Skills

• Staff Development
• Analytical Skills
• Higher Education
• Sociology
• Strategy
• Program Management
• Program Evaluation
• Survey Research
• Focus Groups
• Policy
• Quantitative Research
• Analysis
• Grants
• Statistics
• Stata
• University Teaching
• Nonprofits
• Interviews
• Qualitative Research
• Student Affairs
• Research Design
• Research
• Spss
• Teaching
• Survey Design
• Training
• Data Analysis
• Data Collection
• Grant Writing
• Leadership