Bisi Zhang: Supporting alumni as a wine industry expert
Currently an operation analyst at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, Bisi Zhang (BSc’13) possesses a deep knowledge of the wine and spirits industry. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health from the UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS), she has worked in both customer-relations and operational roles within the field. As an undergrad, she was highly active in UBC student life. She has remained engaged with UBC while using her expertise and experience to help recent grads bridge the gap between academics and careers.
Below, Zhang shares what inspired her to support alumni, how volunteering has helped her grow professionally, and what surprised her the most along the way.
How did you become involved with the LFS Young Alumni Council? And why did you feel it was important to volunteer for the council?
My journey with the Young Alumni Council began in 2022 when I was contacted to be thanked for my donation to LFS on Giving Day. During that conversation with [LFS development officer] James Wang, I learned about the Young Alumni Council (YAC) and was immediately drawn to its mission of supporting young alumni specifically.
As a recent graduate, I remember facing uncertainty about career paths, opportunities, and navigating life after university. I appreciated how YAC creates a space for young alumni to find guidance, build connections, and feel supported during this transitional phase. Recognizing how valuable this kind of support would have been for me, I was excited to contribute and help others find the resources and encouragement they need as they take their next steps.
How have you professionally or personally benefitted from volunteering? Or what have you learned from volunteering for UBC?
Volunteering with UBC has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with inspiring individuals — fellow council members, alumni, and students — each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Their passion and dedication have been a source of motivation, pushing me to continuously grow and strive to make a meaningful impact.
On a professional level, volunteering has strengthened my leadership, communication, and organizational skills. It has also expanded my network, opening doors to valuable connections and new opportunities.
What has surprised you the most about volunteering for UBC?
One of the biggest surprises has been just how engaged and passionate the UBC alumni community is. I initially expected volunteering to be about giving back, but I quickly realized that it’s also about receiving — learning from others, building meaningful relationships, and growing in ways I didn’t anticipate. I’ve also been incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from UBC staff in organizing our events. From logistics to outreach, they go above and beyond to help bring our ideas to life. Their willingness to support us, even outside of regular working hours, has made a huge difference in the success of our events. Seeing that level of dedication from the UBC team has been both inspiring and humbling.
What do you feel most proud of or found most satisfying as a volunteer?
As part of the Entrepreneurship Sub-Council, one of the most fulfilling aspects of volunteering has been creating spaces where young alumni can connect, share ideas, and support one another. Through our events, we’ve facilitated conversations that have led to meaningful collaborations, mentorships, and even new business ventures.
I’ve had graduating students and young alumni reach out to me with questions about building a career in the wine industry. It’s a field I’m passionate about, and I’ve always been happy to share my personal journey — how I got started, what qualifications are typically expected, and what the day-to-day reality looks like.
The wine industry does have its own entry barriers, including certifications, hands-on experience, and a strong understanding of both the product and the market. While I haven’t directly helped someone land a job yet, I see value in simply being available as a resource — answering questions, offering encouragement, and pointing people in the right direction.
Knowing that our efforts help alumni navigate their post-university paths and build valuable relationships makes volunteering deeply satisfying. Seeing tangible results from these connections reinforces why I’m passionate about being part of this community and continuing to contribute.
What advice would you give to UBC alumni who are considering volunteering?
If you’re thinking about volunteering, I would say — just go for it! You don’t need to have all the answers or be in a certain stage of your career to make a difference. Volunteering is about showing up, being open to learning, and contributing in whatever way you can.