Mengyang He

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

“Global innovator connecting technology and cultural insights to drive business growth and social impact.”

Hometown: Beijing, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can speak 4 languages (English, Chinese, French, German)

Undergraduate School and Major: College of the Holy Cross – International Studies & French

Graduate School and Major Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg – Transcultural Studies (Society, Economy, Governance)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: JD.com – Product Manager, User Growth

What has been your favorite part of Nashville so far? Why? As a product manager, I most enjoy immersing myself in Nashville’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. I have had the chance to connect with entrepreneurs and attend events at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. From brainstorming with tech founders to exploring innovative solutions, Nashville’s entrepreneurial culture has been a constant source of motivation and learning for me.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? After I was admitted, I visited Owen during the Welcome Weekend event for admitted students. I experienced firsthand the strength of Owen’s close-knit community and the accessibility of faculty and staff. What impressed me most was the dedication of the Career Management Center (CMC), whose tailored approach to professional development and strong employer relations made me feel confident that I would have the resources and support to achieve my career goals.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Vanderbilt Owen? I enjoyed Owen’s Diwali party the most because it allowed me to build meaningful connections with classmates in a joyful and inclusive setting. Celebrating culture through food, music, and dance fostered a deeper appreciation for diversity. Having lived in 4 countries, I highly value diverse perspectives. Cultural activities like this at Owen strengthen my ability to connect with peers on a personal level, which translates into stronger and more collaborative teamwork.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I had the privilege of attending the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in 2024, where I shared insights on “How AI is Reshaping Product Management & E-commerce” in a 60-minute TV interview. I discussed how AI-driven technologies, such as personalized recommendations and predictive analytics, are transforming user experiences and shaping the future of e-commerce. Drawing on my experience at JD.com, I highlighted how I leveraged AI to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth. Through the World Economic Forum’s global platform, I inspired audiences worldwide to explore opportunities within the AI and product communities.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Three months after starting my MBA program in Nashville, I founded the Global Shapers Nashville Hub, part of the World Economic Forum’s initiative to drive positive social impact. I built a diverse 7-member team, identified the city’s pain points through interviews and surveys, and developed a strategic roadmap for growth. I was thrilled to establish a partnership with the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center. Through this collaboration, we launched the “CREST” project (Biotechnician Workforce Transformation), focusing on upskilling local talent to meet the professional competency needs of emerging biomanufacturing technologies in Nashville. My goal for 2025 is to grow the team to 25 members and lead the hub as a social venture delivering tangible impact.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My most memorable experience has been the Healthcare Immersion at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), where I learned about the healthcare industry from multiple perspectives. Through this faculty-led program, I observed operating rooms and emergency rooms, toured a LifeFlight helicopter, and engaged with industry leaders, including the CEOs of an orthopedic clinic, a health insurance company, and local hospitals. I also participated in a nursing simulation, gaining hands-on insights into the daily challenges healthcare professionals face, such as navigating medical ethics during decision-making. Additionally, I visited various stages of pharmaceutical labs, from molecular research to drug commercialization, and attended a healthcare AI conference, where I discovered cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of healthcare.

DON’T MISS: MEET VANDERBILT OWEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

© Copyright 2025 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.