Rikke Yeh, a student from Taiwan, has embraced a transformative journey at the USC Marshall School of Business, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship (MSSE). After completing her undergraduate studies at National Chung Cheng University, Yeh sought to expand her impact on youth entrepreneurship, leading her to this distinguished program in Los Angeles.
Yeh’s path to the MSSE program was marked by significant experiences in Taiwan. For three years, she dedicated herself to a non-profit organization focused on youth entrepreneurship. Despite her commitment, she realized that she needed to enhance her knowledge and skills to better support her mentees. A friend suggested the USC Marshall MSSE program, which perfectly aligned with her goal of marrying business acumen with social impact. “When I saw USC had social entrepreneurship, I knew this was where I wanted to go. I only applied to this school and this major,” Yeh stated.
In the summer of 2023, Yeh joined the 10th cohort of the MSSE program, stepping out of her comfort zone by relocating to Los Angeles. The transition was not without challenges, as she adjusted to a new language and environment. Initially, she connected with fellow students who spoke Mandarin, but she soon recognized the importance of engaging with a broader network to maximize her learning experiences.
Over the course of her studies, Yeh took full advantage of the resources available at USC. She grew increasingly comfortable with English and immersed herself in various campus initiatives. From participating in the Greif Launchpad to attending the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab lecture series, Yeh actively sought to deepen her knowledge. Additionally, she benefited from the MSSE Legacy Mentorship program, where she was guided by alumni such as John Tsai and Jordana Mendonça Valdés. Valdés, in particular, played a pivotal role in helping Yeh overcome feelings of self-doubt. “She told me I need to think differently about the credits I have and not focus on what I lack. She gave me a lot of courage and confidence,” Yeh reflected.
Yeh’s proactive approach extended beyond academics; she also engaged in various events, workshops, and competitions. Her role as a teaching assistant for prominent professors, including Jessica Jackley and Kenneth Perlman, enriched her learning experience. “There’s no resource you can’t get,” Yeh noted about USC Marshall. “It’s whether you’re willing to push yourself forward in order to get those resources.”
In 2024, Yeh further showcased her leadership by delivering a TEDxYouth@IBSH talk titled “What is the Answer?” In her presentation, she discussed her community leadership experiences and the challenges she faced, including the personal impact of her father’s passing. “There are always trade-offs,” she explained, reflecting on the cultural differences between her upbringing in Taiwan and her current life in the United States.
Looking ahead, Yeh is enthusiastic about continuing to explore her identity and aspirations. “Throughout my journey, I realized entrepreneurship is like self-discovery, where I see a lot of people exploring and doing whatever they want,” she said. This realization motivates her to consider her next steps and the impact she wishes to make in the world.
As she prepares to graduate, Rikke Yeh embodies the spirit of social entrepreneurship—leveraging business principles to foster positive change. Her journey from Taiwan to Los Angeles illustrates the profound personal and professional growth that can arise from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
