Taiwanese Student Rikke Yeh Shapes Future Through USC Program

Rikke Yeh, a student from Taiwan, has embarked on a transformative journey at the USC Marshall School of Business. Enrolled in the Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship (MSSE) program, she is poised to make a significant impact in the field of social entrepreneurship. Yeh’s path to USC began after earning her bachelor’s degree from National Chung Cheng University and spending three years volunteering with a non-profit focused on youth entrepreneurship.

Feeling the need to enhance her skills and broaden her horizons, Yeh sought a program that would combine 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, she joined the MSSE program, leaving behind her familiar surroundings in Taiwan to start a new chapter in Los Angeles.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Upon her arrival, Yeh faced the challenge of adapting to a new environment while improving her English skills. Initially, she connected with fellow students who spoke Mandarin, but quickly recognized the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone. Over her two years at USC, Yeh took advantage of various campus resources, including the Greif Launchpad for ideation and the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab lecture series to expand her knowledge.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Yeh’s development. Through the MSSE Legacy Mentorship program, she was paired with alumni such as John Tsai and Jordana Mendonça Valdés. Valdés, in particular, helped Yeh tackle feelings of inadequacy and instilled confidence in her achievements. “She told me I need to think differently about the credits I have and not focus on what I lack,” Yeh recalled. This encouragement was vital as Yeh continued to explore various opportunities during her time at USC.

Yeh actively participated in events, workshops, and competitions, and served as a teaching assistant for notable professors, including Jessica Jackley, founder of Kiva, and Kenneth Perlman, partner at CultureSync. Her involvement spanned multiple courses, including Social Entrepreneurship and Technology Entrepreneurship. “There’s no resource you can’t get,” she remarked about her experience at USC Marshall. “It’s whether you’re willing to push yourself forward in order to get those resources.”

Reflecting on Leadership and Cultural Identity

In 2024, Yeh had the opportunity to share her insights at a TEDxYouth@IBSH talk titled “What is the Answer?”. During her presentation, she reflected on her leadership experiences and the impact of her cultural background. Yeh candidly discussed the challenges she faced, including the emotional toll of losing her father. “There are always trade-offs,” she explained, highlighting the blend of her Taiwanese roots and her newfound life in the United States.

Looking ahead, Yeh expresses enthusiasm for her ongoing journey of self-discovery. She views entrepreneurship as a path to explore personal aspirations and societal contributions. “Throughout my journey, I realized entrepreneurship is like self-discovery, where I see a lot of people exploring and doing whatever they want,” Yeh said. “That inspired me to think, ‘What do I really want? What is my next journey?’”

As she prepares for life after graduation, Yeh remains committed to making a difference in the world of social entrepreneurship. Her experiences at USC Marshall have equipped her with the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals, ensuring that her legacy will extend far beyond the classroom.