We had the good fortune of connecting with Mehri Sadri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mehri, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Like many 21-year-olds, I find happiness in life’s simple pleasures: good friends and family, a perfect latte, a new workout set, and time with my cat, Leo. But beyond these, what truly fulfills me is knowing my work creates a positive impact in the communities I serve. In that sense, I wouldn’t say I’m the average 21-year-old you might expect—I can be a little crazy sometimes. The same girl you see laughing at a loud dinner table is up the next morning, before sunrise, ready to take on her day as a full-time UCSD student, nonprofit founder, public servant, and data science enthusiast.

There’s a unique joy in knowing that my work and experiences can create change. Whether through data engineering or machine learning, every project I’ve pursued shares a common goal: improving lives. From leading data-driven outreach for underserved communities to building predictive models that support health initiatives, my journey has blended my love for data with a deep commitment to service. For me, happiness isn’t just about the work itself but about the powerful intersections between technology and public good.

As an Outreach Coordinator for the County, I made a real impact by connecting people with meaningful recognition and services. Serving nearly 20% of San Diego’s population was more than a career milestone; it was incredibly fulfilling to know I could bring value to people in my community from age 18 to now.

In my data science work with the Data Science Alliance, a tech startup dedicated to responsible data science, I helped optimize healthcare resources to save both time and money through assisting with the creation of a predictive model, enabling frontline workers to focus on what truly matters. It’s this blend of technology and empathy that makes me feel my skills are being put to their best use.

Founding the SR Commerce Advocacy Group was another step in this direction. I didn’t just want to help local businesses; I wanted to be part of their growth journeys. From registering a nonprofit with the California Secretary of State at 19 to developing open-source software tools that enhance their productivity, I’ve felt like I’m giving back to the community that shaped me.

I’ve always found joy in speaking up—even if my friends have to hear me out a bit longer. Through Model United Nations and Speech and Debate at UCSD, I discovered the power of communication and advocacy for policy reform. This passion drove me to author a peer-reviewed article on the need to modernize health data laws and to become the youngest elected board member of the Scripps Ranch Planning Group, where I represent my community on decisions that truly impact our neighborhood. Learning to confidently voice my ideas showed me that even as a young person, I could shape conversations and contribute ideas that matter.

My data science and economics courses at UCSD have been an unexpected source of happiness, serving as the foundation for all these experiences. Delving into econometrics and machine learning isn’t just about numbers for me—it’s about understanding the human stories they reveal. Data science equips me with tools to untangle complex issues, from predicting trends to solving real-world challenges, while economics has given me a broader lens on how systems and policies affect communities. Together, these fields have fueled my curiosity and given me a sense of purpose.

At the heart of it all, I’m just someone who’s grateful that my work can make a difference. Happiness, to me, is as simple as finding meaning in what you do and knowing it leaves a positive mark on the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is at the intersection of data science, public service, and advocacy, with a deep commitment to community-driven impact. What sets me apart is my drive to use data not just as a tool, but as a means to create positive change. I’ve had the privilege of applying this perspective across various roles—from building machine learning models that optimize healthcare resources to spearheading public outreach initiatives for underserved communities. I’m especially proud of founding the Scripps Ranch Commerce Advocacy Group, a nonprofit focused on data-driven solutions for local small businesses. This project allowed me to use my technical skills to support small business growth, build open-source software tools, and even develop a restaurant recommender system tailored to local needs.

Professionally, my journey has been both rewarding and challenging. Starting as the youngest elected board member of the Scripps Ranch Planning Group and as an Outreach Coordinator for the County of San Diego, I found myself in roles where I needed to prove my credibility quickly. Juggling these roles alongside my full-time studies and managing a nonprofit has been far from easy. The demands taught me resilience, especially when I had to navigate steep learning curves in data science, project management, and policy. There were countless early mornings and late nights, but I learned to leverage my passion to push through.

One of my biggest lessons is the value of persistence. Early on, I realized that expertise doesn’t come overnight. I invested in learning new skills in data engineering and analytics, applying them to real-world issues. I also learned that the best outcomes often stem from a blend of creativity, empathy, and a solid understanding of data. My work with Data Science Alliance, where I contributed to a project that saved time and resources for healthcare providers, reminded me that technology becomes meaningful when it serves people.

If there’s one thing I’d like the world to know about my story, it’s that the real power of data lies in its ability to improve lives. I’m not just driven by results, but by the prospect of creating solutions that empower communities and make a real difference. I see my brand as someone who blends technical expertise with a genuine commitment to community service, and I hope to inspire others to use their skills to build a more equitable world.”

This response showcases what makes you unique, highlights your professional achievements, and touches on the challenges you’ve overcome.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Downtown
Cafe 21 Gaslamp, Seaport Village, USS Midway Museum

Day 2: La Jolla
The Cottage La Jolla, La Jolla Cove

Day 3: North Park
Balboa Park, Japanese Friendship Garden, Panama 66

Day 4: Encinitas
Better Buzz Coffee, Swami’s Beach

Day 5: Exploring Scripps Ranch and Mission Bay

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the organizations that have given me the opportunity to grow with them: County of San Diego, Data Science Alliance, The UCSD Guardian, and more

Website: srcag.net (my non profit)

Instagram: fathermehri

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehri-sadri-8a1037246

Other: My HIPAA Publication: https://escholarship.org/content/qt9gp2n52k/qt9gp2n52k.pdf?t=se1p2i

Image Credits
All photos are taken with my iphone :))

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