Wendi Zhang is a Business Development Partner at Gradient Ventures.

In her role, she helps portfolio companies forge and structure partnerships with other organizations. Wendi received joint MBA/MPP degrees from the Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, and Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Management Science from MIT. In the past, she led business development for various products within Google’s Devices & Services team as well as 3 tech startups, contributed to entrepreneurship development policies and analysis in the public sector and consulted for the biomedical industry.

Wendi is passionate about lifelong learning, interdisciplinary innovation, and understanding local perspectives of historical events. She has an adorable corgi named Fizzy, and has traveled to over 40 countries.

Why did you decide to volunteer with the MITCNC?

MITCNC has been a venue for me to continue my journey as a lifelong learner in addition to making new friends with wonderful people. I volunteer so I can give back to the organization that gives so much to its communities – MIT and beyond.

Tell us a bit about your role with the MITCNC. What are your responsibilities in this position?

I am spearheading the Lifelong Learning track, which aims to create events and opportunities for curiosity to be piqued and explored.

What exciting things can we expect to see from your area of focus in the coming months? (e.g., social events, speakers, etc.)

Lightning talks and how-to tutorials.

Describe one of your most memorable MIT moments.

After one of my math classes, I was walking around Killian Court to admire its beauty on a sunny day when it hit me that the concept I just learned uncovered a profound truth in life. I felt so fortunate to be able to see and appreciate this beauty, while standing in the middle of an institution that has contributed so much knowledge and applications to the world.