By Pu Chun Zhu, ISB Advancement
Published on Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The ISB Alumni Association is proud to announce Amélie Wen Zhao – an alumni who has built an impressive career in global finance while also becoming a New York Times and internationally bestselling fantasy author – as the recipient of the 2026 ISB Alumni Achievement Award.
Now serving as Senior Vice President in Citibank’s Treasury and Trade Solutions group, Amélie, from ISB’s Class of 2010, has also earned worldwide recognition through her fiction, which has reached millions of readers across 18 languages. Her unique combination of professional achievement, creative success, and cultural influence made her this year’s standout honoree.
Launched at the start of the 2021-2022 academic year, the ISB Alumni Achievement Award recognizes graduates whose accomplishments, leadership, and service embody the spirit and mission of ISB. Now in its fifth year, the award continues to celebrate alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their fields while making meaningful contributions to society.
Each year, nominees are reviewed by a selection committee composed of school leadership, faculty and staff, parents, students and alumni. This year’s process was especially competitive, with several exceptional candidates earning closely matched scores. Following careful deliberation and voting, the committee selected Amélie in recognition of her remarkable accomplishments, global impact, and the meaningful ways she continues to inspire others.
Amélie has also maintained a meaningful connection with ISB since graduation, including returning to campus for a book talk in March 2024.
The committee expressed deep admiration for Amélie’s work and the meaningful influence she continues to have through her writing. Her achievements reflect the values and aspirations of the ISB community and serve as an inspiration to current students and alumni alike.
ISB student Angelina Z (Grade 12) shared, “[Amélie] has made a distinctive global cultural impact through bestselling fiction that brings Chinese history and heritage to international audiences. Her work reflects a strong cultural identity and educational value for the community.”
Will Bonnah, High School Social Studies Teacher, added, “Amélie is a very worthy candidate with international impact, an authentic cultural mission, and a strong ISB connection. Her work reaches millions of readers across 18 languages and carries a clear mission of empowering the global diaspora.”
Alumni Achievement Award nominations now open for 2026-2027
We know there are so many more alumni around the world who are deserving of an Alumni Achievement Award for the way they are exemplifying the values and high expectations of ISB.
The nomination period opens on June 1, 2026 and closes on February 28, 2027 at 4:00 pm CST. Following the nomination period a selection committee will convene in March, with a winner announced in April.
Winners will receive coverage across the ISB Alumni Achievement Award webpage, social media channels, and a newsletter highlighting their achievements. They will also receive a certificate plus a winner's package with a trophy and gift.
How to nominate (including self-nomination)
Current and former ISB students, parents, faculty and staff members are encouraged to nominate an alumni for the award. Alumni may nominate themselves.
- Submit using the form linked below.
- Nominees stay in the pool for the current cycle and the next cycle.
- A selection committee of alumni, parents, students, faculty, and leadership reviews against six core criteria.
The complete six core criteria aligned with the ISB Mission and Vision are available in this PDF guide. Please review before submitting a nomination with this form.
Visit the ISB Alumni Achievement Award webpage.