By Pu Chun Zhu, ISB Alumni Relations, and Nick Yates, ISB Communications
Published on Thursday, April 24, 2025
The International School of Beijing’s (ISB) fourth Alumni Achievement Award goes to Mattie Bekink, who is a 1996 graduate and the Ford Foundation’s regional director in China. She oversees China-related grant making from the Beijing office of this globally renowned philanthropic organization.
The Alumni Achievement Award (AAA) celebrates former students’ achievements and encourages engagement in ISB’s Mission. Winners will have demonstrated thinking and leadership in their field and positively impacted society.
The award selection committee said Mattie lives ISB’s core values in addressing global inequality, drawing from formative experiences in the school’s Model United Nations and her school years in China during the 1990s. Showing respect for diverse perspectives and a dedication to service, Mattie is a role model for younger ISB Dragons.
The latest AAA winner has worked in law, international education, and economics. Prior to joining the Ford Foundation, Mattie was China director of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network. She graduated from Stanford University with an international relations degree and from Georgetown University Law Center with a Juris Doctor. Read more in Mattie Bekink’s official bio.
Mattie Bekink was among the group of students who took part in ISB's first Beijing Model United Nations (BEIMUN)
The other finalists in the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award were:
- Author Amélie Wen Zhao, Class of 2010
- Audio programmer David Su, Class of 2010
- Indonesian Member of Parliament Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Class of 2010
- Childcare entrepreneur Jessica Chang, Class of 2002
- Film director Lawrence Chen, Class of 2005
- E-commerce entrepreneur Tommy Ma, Class of 2016
- Lawyer Wendy Qiu, Class of 2011
Strengthening alumni connections, inspiring current students
Mattie and the finalists are just a small number of the distinguished former Dragons inspiring the current study body. ISB’s Alumni Association continues to grow. Counting nearly 10,000 students, parents, and faculty as formal members, the organization provides the opportunity for alumni to connect with one another – and their successors.
ISB has almost 45 years of history, and its graduates are a huge asset to the school, giving back in ways that include offering mentoring, career, and internship opportunities to current students. Mattie Bekink spoke to community members in the ISB Leadership Talk Series in November.
The AAA winner will now participate in the ISB Alumni Pathways program, which connects Grade 10 students to alumni who are in various stages of their pathway after school. While ISB has expert University & Career Advisors preparing students for college, bridge years, and career options, alumni have also committed to helping through regular mentoring.