Bella Yadegar

About Me

Hi, I'm Bella, a first-generation American born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, with roots in Iran. I'm currently pursuing my passion for both technology and business at USC through the inaugural cohort of AI for Business. My love for interdisciplinary learning has led me to thrive in both business strategy and computer science courses.

Raised with the values of repairing the world and the importance of community, I recently spearheaded the creation of our Big and Little mentorship program within the BUAI major, fostering connections and growth among students. As the Vice President of Recruitment and a consulting project manager for Tamid—a Marshall-recognized student organization—I lead teams in consulting with innovative startups in Israel while also teaching practical business concepts to new members. My goal is to bridge the gap between technology and business, and I’m excited to bring my skills and passion to forward-thinking companies.

What are some of your key professional/career interests?

My key professional interest lies in product management within the tech industry. I'm passionate about creating solutions that drive real, positive change in society through technology. My goal is to harness AI for good, leveraging its potential to transform education and make it more accessible for everyone. I’m excited about the opportunity to use technology as a force for social impact and shaping the future in a meaningful way.

What are some of your skills?

My skills include strong communication, effective leadership, and a collaborative mindset. I bring a strong work ethic to every project I undertake, consistently striving for excellence while fostering a positive and productive team environment.

What are some relevant classes/coursework you have taken?

Some relevant coursework I have taken was the AI: perils, pitfalls, and promise course where I learned different types of machine learning algorithms, as well as the practical applications of AI with regards to its ethical implications. We talked about the humanistic aspects of using AI and implementing it to so widely. I have also taken Business Statistics and data science, Applications of Machine learning, and computer science courses which have helped me understand the more technical side of programming and engineering. Lastly, I have taken business courses such as accounting, microeconomics, and organizational management which have shaped my understanding of how to succeed in a competitive business landscape.

What are some of your projects or achievements?

This summer, I worked as an Associate at NestIDD, a real estate company dedicated to leasing accessible homes to care providers who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I contributed key research insights on care provider wages across the 50 states and conducted business analysis to guide the company's expansion strategy. Additionally, I developed a weather monitoring system using Make software, designed to alert tenants and the company of impending extreme weather, ensuring the safety of both residents and properties.

I also mentor young students at Curious Cardinals, a tutoring organization where I help them kickstart passion projects, build confidence, and sharpen their business skills on a weekly basis. Guiding these students as they turn their passion into purpose has been incredibly rewarding.

Finally, I spearheaded the creation of the Big/Little mentorship program within the AI for Business major. We used an AI algorithm to match students based on their data, creating a supportive network that fosters growth and connection between cohorts. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and my vision is for this program to create a lasting legacy of mentorship and community that continues long after graduation.