CSUF Alum Marlene Mardirossian on Transforming Missed Connections with New App, Drop Socials

Co-founded by Cal State Fullerton alumna Marlene Mardirossian, Drop Socials is the groundbreaking app that turns everyday missed connections into real, meaningful relationships. Whether you’re looking to connect romantically, socially, or professionally, Drop Socials uses geolocation to help you find and engage with people in your direct proximity—no more what-ifs!

From CSUF to Startup Success

Marlene Mardirossian’s journey as an entrepreneur started during her time at Cal State Fullerton, where she majored in Entrepreneurship. She attributes much of her business acumen to the consulting projects she worked on as a student, which provided real-world experience in solving business problems, understanding market needs, and developing critical thinking skills. These projects laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial mindset, allowing her to navigate the complexities of launching a startup like Drop Socials.

Marlene has maintained strong ties with her CSUF professors and mentors, who continue to be a source of guidance and support as she grows Drop Socials. Her experience exemplifies the power of university-led entrepreneurship programs in fostering the next generation of innovators.

The Vision Behind Drop Socials

Every day, people cross paths with potential connections, but few take action due to hesitation, lack of opportunity, or simply being too caught up in the moment. Drop Socials is here to change that. The app provides a geolocation-based platform that lets users discover and connect with people nearby in real time, whether at a networking event, a coffee shop, a conference, or even in line at a grocery store.

As Marlene puts it, “If you can see me, you can drop me.” With a simple tap, users can exchange social media links instantly, eliminating the friction of missed connections and allowing relationships to form naturally in everyday settings.

The Development Journey

Building Drop Socials was no small feat. The team went through multiple iterations of the product, testing features to ensure a seamless user experience. The platform is now live and available for download, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Marlene and her team focused on creating an app that is intuitive, respects privacy, and enhances real-world interactions rather than replacing them.

The startup’s initial growth strategy is focused on college campuses, a place where social interactions are frequent, and the need for effortless networking is high. Marlene hopes to expand Drop Socials to universities nationwide and beyond, making it the go-to platform for spontaneous social and professional connections.

The Entrepreneurial Lessons Marlene Learned at CSUF

Marlene’s experience at CSUF played a pivotal role in shaping her as an entrepreneur. She recalls the hands-on nature of her coursework and the real-world applicability of the lessons she learned. Some of her key takeaways include:

The Power of Networking: Staying connected with professors, mentors, and classmates can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Importance of Execution: Ideas are just the starting point; execution, adaptability, and persistence determine success.
Learning from Experience: Consulting projects helped her understand how to address real business challenges, preparing her for the startup world.
Investor Readiness: Pitching to investors is a skill that takes practice. Marlene remembers a pitch event at CSUF that put her in front of tough investors who didn’t hold back. That experience prepared her to communicate her vision effectively and handle high-pressure situations.

Watch the Interview with Marlene Mardirossian

Want to hear more about Marlene’s entrepreneurial journey and the development of Drop Socials? Watch the full interview here: Drop Socials Interview.

Download Drop Socials Today!

Start making connections that matter! Download Drop Socials now on iOS and Android:

iOS: Download Here
Android: Download Here

Stay Connected

Marlene and the Drop Socials team are redefining how we connect with the world around us. Don’t miss out—join the movement today and start making connections that count!