Morgan Mickle
Meet Morgan, the learning and impact extraordinaire at Imaginable Futures. She brings 15 years of experience working in international affairs and development to address critical issues related to health, agriculture, economic development, education, and the social inclusion of historically marginalized groups.
Prior to Imaginable Futures, Morgan worked for Banyan Global where she supported foreign assistance investments and led programming focused on the inclusion of women, youth, and underrepresented communities across global portfolios. Her work included helping to lead a global community of practice advancing dialogue and learning around women’s economic empowerment and potential. She previously led capacity development, research, and knowledge management activities utilizing a deep equity and inclusion lens at WI-HER, LLC; served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mozambique; and supported various portfolios within USAID’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. Early in her career, Morgan worked in international education exchange and today continues to support opportunities that inspire global awareness and citizenry.
Morgan has been a volunteer with organizations such as Black Professionals in International Affairs, Society for International Development, and Teens of Color Abroad.
Q&A
What is your your headline statement for your career?
Globally-curious explorer pursues human connection, social impact, and a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving world.
What is your biggest professional learning?
Just because you are the leader doesn’t mean you need to know everything or lead on every aspect. Lean into your team and their expertise. That doesn’t make you weaker or less competent; it makes you someone who has the sight, strength, and knowledge to understand and leverage the power of the collective.
What lessons did you learn early in your career that you keep with you today?
The power of listening. You hear this growing up, but I don’t think I internalized just how important this is until I served in the Peace Corps. Listen to people, and you will go far together.
What current Imaginable Futures endeavors most excite you?
I’ll take the obvious route, but Imaginable Futures is doing some amazing work around their Systems & Impact Framework. I’m really excited to dive into this as it continues to iterate both for learning, but also it helps us and partners tell amazing stories of change.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve danced since I was 3 years old, so growing up I always wanted to be a dancer for artists like Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Britney Spears. Today, dance still plays a big part in my health and wellbeing. It’s pure joy.
If you could be one character from a book? Who would you choose and why?
Nancy Drew – that girl was smart, confident, independent, and always figuring things out. AND, originally a character developed in the 1930s, I think she was ahead of her time.
Where is your happy place?
The beach. There is a specific area of beach in Florida that brings my family together from across the United States and that, 100%, is my happy place.
If someone narrated your life, who would you want it to be?
My grandmother. She passed away at 100, but she was the keeper of our rich family history, traditions, and community. If she were still alive, she would tell a great story.
Favorite quote:
“The sea throws rocks together, but time leaves us polished stones.” – U2, Ordinary Love
What do you imagine or wish for the future?
At my core I would say, stronger human understanding, empathy, and respectful interactions. Globally, if we can imagine a community that listens, accepts truths, and then works together towards solutions, then we can improve the lives of many and we can thrive as a people.