Born into a Chinese family and raised in Puerto Rico, Angelo Mok holds a unique vantage point.

He has learned to navigate education systems across Latinx|e, American and Chinese perspectives after choosing to leave his family and home in San Juan to attend Fort Hamilton High School in New York City and later USC. 

“I was struck by the distinct opportunities available to students in each region: the rigor of Chinese academics, the breadth of American resources, and the resilience of students in Puerto Rico despite structural challenges,” Mok said. 

Later, as a communication major at USC Annenberg, Mok discovered not only how to communicate effectively but how to bridge perspectives, ensuring that ideas translate across industries, cultures and languages. He found himself asking, “How can I leverage my background to connect these vastly different worlds?”

Mok’s desire to answer this question was further fueled when, as a senior, he explored Eastern and Western educational models through Harvard’s Undergraduate Association for the U.S.-China Relations Summit for Young Leaders in China (HSYLC).

Seeking to deepen his expertise in global affairs, economic development and cross-cultural leadership, and encouraged by mentors at HSYLC, Mok decided to apply for the Schwarzman Scholars program last summer.

One of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowship programs, the Schwarzman Scholars program provides support to attend a one-year, fully-funded master’s degree program in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Scholars come from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds, such as business, technology, science, politics, healthcare, and more. 

Last month, Mok was selected as one of the 150 scholars in the 2025 cohort, representing 38 countries and 105 universities from around the world, including fellow USC alumni Justin Kawaguchi and Charlotte Wang.

Since graduating from USC Annenberg in 2021, Mok has been working his way up at multinational investment bank and financial services company Citi and now serves as assistant vice president, executive decision support FP&A. He began at the company in 2019 as an intern and later received the Citi Service Year Fellowship, during which he raised more than $1.3 million for underserved communities in New York City.

Alongside his work at Citi, Mok founded a real estate company that supports more than 35 native families in Puerto Rico through its affordable housing portfolio. His long-term goal is to transform Puerto Rico’s development.

“Puerto Rico stands at a crossroads,” Mok said. “It has the potential to become a hub for global investment and innovation if equipped with the right economic strategies. As a Schwarzman Scholar, I will work to understand how China’s development model and global investment strategies can be adapted to foster economic renewal in Puerto Rico and the broader Latin American region — ensuring that investment is profitable, sustainable and equitable.

Mok considers the scholars program not just an academic opportunity but a launchpad.

“The network, resources and strategic insights I will gain will allow me to drive forward investment initiatives that strengthen economic collaboration and create tangible opportunities for underserved communities,” he said.

He also recognizes his undergraduate studies in communication allowed him to build foundational skills in areas like public speaking, negotiation and strategic communication, which  have been instrumental so far in his career, from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

“Whether in English, Spanish or Chinese, my ability to convey compelling narratives has allowed me to secure investments, lead teams and advocate for economic initiatives that drive real impact,” Mok said.

As he prepares for the next step in his academic and professional journey, Mok says he feels a deep sense of responsibility. 

“To me, being a Schwarzman Scholar means holding myself accountable to the vision I have set forth — one that champions economic empowerment, responsible global investment and a future where the U.S., China, and Latin America work together toward shared prosperity,” Mok said. “I carry this mission forward with determination, humility and an unwavering commitment to building a more connected and opportunity-rich world, starting with Puerto Rico.”