Biography: Meicheng Chen is a rising third-year international student at UCLA majoring in Business Economics. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA in her major and is passionate about the intersection of economic policy, financial strategy, and social impact. Meicheng has gained valuable experience through internships at institutions, including a development bank and a litigation support firm, where she worked on financial analysis, due diligence reports, and strategic research for consulting and policy-oriented projects. She has also led pro bono consulting projects for nonprofits such as the Coalition for Engaged Education, volunteered as a VITA tax preparer, and served in leadership roles supporting financial literacy and public resource access on campus. Bilingual in English and Mandarin, she is dedicated to using her skills to advance inclusive economic solutions.
Future Plans: Meicheng aims to pursue a career in tax policy, public interest consulting, and financial strategy. She has accepted a summer 2025 position as an economic policy analyst at the Ministry of Education in the Czech Republic, where she will work on education funding and institutional policy. Looking ahead, she plans to continue working at the intersection of economic research and public service, focusing on projects that promote equity and fiscal responsibility.
What this scholarship means to me: I am truly honored and grateful to be receiving the Harold R. Mortenson Endowed Scholarship. As an international student, this recognition affirms the dedication I’ve poured into my academic and professional journey at UCLA. Being a part of the Business Economics program has been deeply fulfilling—its rigorous coursework, exceptional faculty, and vibrant learning community have continually pushed me to grow. This scholarship gives me greater confidence in my path and encourages me to continue making meaningful contributions on and off campus. It also motivates me to one day give back and support future Bruins in pursuing their goals.
