Mara Powell

Degrees

• Master of Library and Information Science, Wayne State University
• Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies, Wayne State University

Biography

Mara Powell is University archivist at University of Detroit Mercy, where she oversees the preservation, organization and accessibility of the University’s historical records. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Film Studies from Wayne State University.

Before joining Detroit Mercy, Powell held archival and digital asset management roles at institutions including Allied Vaughn, Carhartt, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and the Detroit People’s Platform. Her work has included metadata development, digital preservation and the implementation of archival systems that enhance long-term access to collections.

Powell has a strong interest in storytelling and media and brings a creative lens to her archival practice.

Outside of her professional work, Powell is an independent filmmaker and film history enthusiast. She especially enjoys reading novels that have been adapted into films and exploring the relationship between literature and cinema.