Mika Lim

Mika LimMika Lim
Associate Director of Compliance
Northeastern University
EASFAA

 

 

As a first-generation American and first-generation college student, Mika Lim found a lot of support from her school's financial aid department. By getting to know her through encouragement and regular contact, those working in the financial aid office at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon helped Mika earn a four-year scholarship in pursuit of her undergraduate degree. For Mika, the pursuit of that degree was an incredible privilege and opportunity that was encouraged by her family.

"My father was a refugee of the Laotian Civil War who never got the chance to graduate from high school and faced prejudice trying to make it in America," Mika said. "He worked long days, weekends, and holidays cooking orders in a kitchen, and constantly told me that he wanted me to have an easier life. My father's struggles and work ethic served as an inspiration for me to go to college and strive for a meaningful career giving back to others."

In a short time-span, Mika worked her way to her current position as associate director of compliance at Northeastern University, after having worked in the financial aid profession since 2016 and serving multiple roles at Northeastern. In her role, she serves the senior leadership team for student financial services, is responsible for all aspects of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) operations and reporting under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and also works to inform university stakeholders about regulatory changes.

"As a multiracial Asian-American woman, I stick out in many of the leadership and committee groups on which I sit. Early on in my career, I felt that my 'sticking out' was a deficit and I worked very hard to blend in," Mika said.

A turning point for her came when she transitioned from working in the nonprofit sector to higher education at Northeastern, where her professional development was fostered.

"As I have grown, I have found the confidence to voice opinions that are informed by a career trajectory and cultural background that differ from my colleagues'," she said. "I still 'stick out' in leadership spaces, but I have learned that my background adds important value as a leader and that I can use it to help catalyze change."

Learn more about Mika in the brief Q&A below.

How have you seen diversity in higher education change since you began your career? 

I think higher education recognizes now more than ever that it represents the ideals of a free and democratic society, and that prioritizing diversity has to be a part of that. I see institutions embracing diversity in its student body and among faculty and staff, and they are reaping the benefits as campuses flourish when different perspectives are included in dialogue. 

Who is your favorite historical figure, and why?

While there are a lot of great historical figures to choose from, I personally feel more inspired by movements in history when groups of people use their voice to exercise democracy and push for progress, especially civil rights movements here and across the globe. 

What are some of your life goals?

I want to be a good parent, leave a positive imprint on others' lives, and to never stop traveling, learning, and growing. 

How did you get your start in financial aid?

Before aid, I was in the nonprofit world, working to improve educational and career access for homeless and foster youth. So many people who have the cards stacked against them think that college is unattainable, and I got to see that a student's financial aid experience can be crucial in changing the course of their future. From this experience, I decided to get into aid myself. 

What do you do when you're not working?

During the rare times that Boston gets good weather, I love to go camping and take beach trips. 

Meet the 2020-21 DLP Class

Publication Date: 1/27/2021

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