I’ve mentored and guided students from theory to practice to execution—supporting the development of the next generation of designers and creative leaders in the Middle East.
Over the years, I’ve supported students both in the classroom and through 1:1 mentorship, guiding their growth from early exploration to polished execution. As a design educator, I taught at Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, across both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses, leading courses in design thinking, brand identity, packaging, and more.
Alongside formal teaching, I’ve also mentored students through global design programs like the Terra Carta Design Lab, offering support through ideation, critique, and real-world application. My approach blends industry experience with purpose-driven learning—helping young designers gain clarity, confidence, and a strong creative voice.
Whether I’m guiding an introductory class or mentoring projects, I aim to create a space where creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking can thrive.
Teaching Areas:
Design Foundations
Brand Design Management
Packaging Design
Design Thinking
Student Work
Check out few samples of student work developed in my classes under my direction.
1-1 Design Mentorship
Beyond the classroom, I provide personalized mentorship to students and recent graduates, offering guidance on design careers, portfolio development, and targeted design skills. My mentorship approach combines industry expertise with a supportive, individualized focus—helping emerging designers gain clarity and confidence in their creative paths.
As part of my role delivering the Terra Carta Design Lab 2024 at Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), I led the 1:1 design mentorship track—providing targeted support to students developing projects for the competition. Over the course of the program, I delivered more than 80 coaching sessions, guiding students through concept refinement, critique, and presentation prep.
Two of the DIDI winning teams emerged from my mentorship group, each demonstrating creativity, purpose, and a commitment to designing for a better future.
To learn more about the full case study, please get in touch.
“Marisela demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism, offering strategic guidance that significantly enhanced the quality and direction of my project. Her consistent support and thoughtful feedback were invaluable throughout the Terra Carta Design Lab journey.”