Willem Zhang Email & Phone Number

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As the Co-Owner at AQRedited, a professional consulting and services company, my business partner and I have been pivotal in driving our mission to deliver gold-standard service with white-glove efforts. AQRedited specializes in Design, Branding, Data, and Videography, offering both strategic consulting and the ability to execute our recommendations in-house. Our philosophy is simple: we only grow if our clients do.At AQRedited, we’re not just another marketing company. We’re a design and branding company focused on solving problems in the digital space through creativity and storytelling.We approach each project with a personalized touch, going beyond the cookie-cutter strategies most marketing firms use. While many companies treat clients like order numbers, we see each client as a true business partner. We take the time to understand your unique challenges, working hand-in-hand to develop solutions that are both innovative and practical.Our team is made up of experts from a range of fields, including consulting, human resources, privacy laws, government, architecture, videography, and more! This diverse background allows us to bring multiple perspectives to the table, ensuring that our solutions are well-rounded and tailored specifically to you. Unlike other firms, we don’t just follow templates—we craft strategies and designs that reflect your brand’s story.Our purpose is simple: To be the business partner that goes the extra mile, building our reputation on a foundation of high-quality work and trust. It’s not just a slogan—it’s something we live by. We believe in forming real partnerships with our clients, not just delivering a service, but becoming a friend and advisor throughout the journey.AQRedited is overall a cost-effective and reliable partner for businesses seeking high-quality digital solutions, thanks to our affordable pricing and ongoing support post-project completion. Please reach out to me to start your transformation journey today!

As a Business Partner at AQRedited, I played a key role in the company’s development during my time, focusing on learning, contributing to strategic planning, gaining hands-on experience, and understanding the internal and external aspects of AQRedited and our relevant clients.Key Responsibilities:→ Market Research & Analysis: Conducted detailed market research to identify emerging trends in digital branding, web solutions, and customer needs, influencing strategic business decisions.→ Client Support: Assisted in managing and maintaining client relationships, ensuring that project milestones were met and client expectations were exceeded.→ Business Developement: Contributed to the development and execution of client work, including crafting data reports and social media campaigns that positively guided AQRedited's clients operations and efforts.Operational Support: Played a crucial role in optimizing internal processes, leading to increased efficiency in project management and client communications.Impact:→ Contributed to the successful execution of multiple client projects, helping building the foundation AQRedited stands on today. → Enhanced the competitiveness of AQRedited’s service offerings through developement, strategic planning, and content creation, leading to improved client acquisition and retention.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Previously Case Pool. My team stats: 30+ Case Comps & 25k+ prize money awarded. My stats: 19 Case Competitions. 7 - 1st places. 6 - Top 3. 1 International - Semi Finals. 🚀 International Competition: 🌎- Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) International - Achieved Semifinals🥇 First Place: 🥇 - AIM Atkinson Professional Accounting Association (APAA) @ York University- Eclipse - Tech @ University of Toronto- Corporate Social Responsibility Society: ENABLE- Junior ACE @ Ted Rogers Finance - CATALYST Consulting Competition @ Toronto Metropolitan Consulting Association- Infinite Investments 2024 @ ITMSA- INSPIRE Accounting Competition 2023 @ TMA🥈 Second Place: 🥈 - Human Resources Competition @ HRSA- Eclipse - EDI @ University of Toronto- Future of Business and Technology @ ITMSA🥉 Third Place: 🥉 - Pathways Accounting Competition @ Schulich School of Business 4️⃣ Fourth Place: 4️⃣- CPA Ontario Business Case Competition 2021 - 4th Place Regionals🌟 Others:- Ted Rogers Marketing Association- The Riddler- Toronto Met Entrepreneurship Association- Sprout Wealthsimple Financials Competition- Fast Pace Case Accounting Competition

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As the Executive Vice-President at PennyDrops GTA, I am responsible for the visionary and business development across the entire organization, overseeing 40+ members. My role focuses on driving growth, innovation, and strategic direction for Canada’s largest student-run, non-profit financial literacy organization.Key Responsibilities:→ Visionary & Business Development: Led the strategic vision and business development initiatives for PennyDrops, ensuring alignment across all chapters and driving organizational growth.→ Operational Leadership: Directed daily operations, managing departments such as Finance, Research & Development, Corporate Relations, and Human Resources→ Industry Partnerships: Established key partnerships with industry leaders, facilitating collaborations that enhanced program offerings and expanded our impact.→ Event Management: Orchestrated 3+ major events with an 80% turnout ratio, significantly boosting engagement and raising the profile of PennyDrops within the university community.→ Departmental Innovation: Pioneered the implementation of two new departments, Human Resources and Research & Development, enhancing the organization’s strategic capabilities.→ Cultural Improvement: Spearheaded meetings and initiatives to foster a positive and productive internal culture, leading to improved team cohesion and performance.→ Mentorship: Provided guidance and mentorship to several associates and executives, supporting their professional development and ensuring strong leadership within the organization.Impact:→ Led efforts that resulted in a 200% increase in university engagement, workshops, and events year-over-year, significantly expanding our reach and impact.→ Successfully built and nurtured strategic partnerships, enhancing the quality and scope of our financial literacy programs.→ Drove organizational growth by expanding and strengthening the operational structure, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As the Director of Operations, I played a critical role in optimizing operational processes and ensuring the successful execution of PennyDrops' initiatives within the Toronto & GTA Chapter.Key Responsibilities:→ Process Optimization: Focused on identifying weak points within the organization, continuously seeking new ways to streamline processes and improve overall operational efficiency.→ Recruitment & Hiring: Managed the entire hiring process, ensuring the acquisition of top talent to support our growing initiatives.→ Data Scraping & Lead Generation: Conducted data scraping to identify potential leads of TDSB teachers, contributing to our outreach and expansion efforts.→ Operational Efficiency: Improved communication and execution strategies, resulting in streamlined operations and enhanced program delivery.Impact:→ Identified and addressed operational inefficiencies, leading to more streamlined processes and improved workflow.→ Successfully onboarded key team members, strengthening the operational capacity of the organization.→ Enhanced outreach efforts by identifying and connecting with valuable leads within the TDSB, expanding our educational reach.→ Optimized communication and execution processes, leading to a more cohesive and efficient operation within the chapter.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As a Volunteer Manager at Wilkinson, I have been responsible for leading and coordinating volunteer teams specifically for smaller-scale events. My role involves managing a diverse group of volunteers, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and that all volunteers are effectively supported.Key Responsibilities:→ Smaller-Scale Event Coordination: Managed and organized volunteer teams for smaller-scale events, ensuring that each member was assigned roles that best utilized their individual skills and experiences.→ Volunteer Engagement: Developed strategies to engage and motivate volunteers, particularly focusing on creating a supportive environment where each volunteer felt valued, regardless of their age or experience.→ Event Planning: Played a critical role in the planning and execution of smaller-scale events, ensuring that all volunteer-related aspects were meticulously organized.→ Delegate Management: Coordinated with team leaders and volunteers to delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that all operations were executed efficiently and on time.→ Customer Service Management: Ensured that volunteers were prepared to handle attendee inquiries and provide excellent customer service, enhancing the overall experience for event participants.Impact:→ Successfully managed and coordinated volunteer efforts across multiple smaller-scale events, leading to seamless operations and positive feedback from both volunteers and event participants.→ Improved volunteer retention and satisfaction through effective engagement and support, particularly by addressing the unique needs of volunteers from diverse age groups.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In my role as Event Director at Wilkinson, I have overseen the comprehensive coordination and management of large-scale events, leading a team of over 120 volunteers and 20 team leaders from various age groups. My focus has been on ensuring smooth operations, effective communication, and successful event outcomes.Key Responsibilities:→ Leadership of Diverse Teams: Coordinated and led a diverse team of volunteers and team leaders, ranging from young high schoolers to young adults and mature adults, ensuring that each group’s strengths were maximized to achieve event objectives.→ Central Point of Contact: Acted as the primary point of contact for team leaders and volunteers, addressing their questions, resolving issues, and providing guidance to ensure that all stations were well-equipped and functioning smoothly.→ Resource Allocation: Supported team leaders by ensuring they had the necessary resources and guidance to fulfill their responsibilities. This included reallocating volunteers to different stations and delegating tasks based on the event’s needs.→ Event Logistics: Managed the logistical aspects of event planning and execution, including station setup, volunteer assignments, and crowd control, to ensure that events ran smoothly and efficiently.→ Cross-functional Team Leadership: Led cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and communication between different departments to achieve the event’s objectives.Impact:→ Successfully coordinated and executed large-scale events, ensuring that all aspects of the event were handled professionally and efficiently.→ Enhanced the effectiveness of volunteer teams through strategic leadership and resource management, resulting in high levels of volunteer satisfaction and event success.→ Played a critical role in maintaining the high standards of Wilkinson’s events, contributing to the company’s reputation for excellence in event management.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As a Campus Ambassador for Jarvis Consulting Group, I have taken on the responsibility of enhancing the company’s presence within the student community and bridging the gap between talented students and the opportunities at Jarvis. My role involves actively engaging with students, faculty, and various stakeholders to promote Jarvis as a leading consulting group that offers exceptional career opportunities.Key Responsibilities:→ Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborated with university faculty, student organizations, and career services to effectively promote Jarvis Consulting Group across campus. → Career Fair Representation: Represented Jarvis Consulting Group at UofT's career fairs, engaging with students and providing them with insights into the company’s culture, career paths, and recruitment processes. → Social Media Promotion: Actively promoted Jarvis Consulting Group on social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, by sharing content related to career opportunities, company achievements, and industry trends. This has helped to boost Jarvis’s visibility and attract a wider audience of potential candidates.→ Student Engagement: Developed and executed strategies to engage students through on-campus events, networking sessions, and one-on-one interactions. These efforts have been instrumental in building a strong pipeline of talent for Jarvis and fostering a positive brand image among the student community.→ Brand Awareness: Worked on increasing brand awareness by creating and distributing promotional materials, including digital content and posts, that effectively communicate Jarvis’s value proposition to students.→ Feedback & Insights: Gathered and provided valuable feedback from students regarding their perceptions of Jarvis Consulting Group. This information has been used to refine our recruitment strategies and improve student outreach efforts.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As a dedicated member of the TMA Official Case Competition Team, I have had the privilege of representing the Ted Rogers School of Management and Case Pool in over 15+ case competitions. My role has been instrumental in leading the team to numerous successes and developing critical skills that are essential in the competitive world of case competitions.Key Responsibilities:→ Team Leadership: Took on a leadership role in more than half of the competitions, guiding the team through strategic planning, case analysis, and presentation development. This involved assigning roles based on team members’ strengths and ensuring cohesive teamwork throughout the competition process.→ Strategic Planning: Developed and executed detailed strategic plans for each competition, focusing on creating viable solutions that addressed the case's core issues while also considering the feasibility and long-term impact of our recommendations.→ Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostered a collaborative environment where every team member’s input was valued, leading to the development of well-rounded solutions that incorporated diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach was key to our success, especially in tight competitions where attention to detail and innovative thinking made the difference.Impact:→ Competition Success: Our rigorous approach and team cohesion led to significant achievements, including winning 7 competitions and placing in the top 3 in 6 others, despite facing intense competition from top-tier business schools.→ International Achievement: A standout moment was competing in the international Accounting for Sustainability case competition, where we reached the semi-finals against 20+ international schools. This competition was our biggest challenge due to the high calibre of the teams involved.The skills I honed are not only valuable in case competitions, but are also transferable to real-world business challenges.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As the Vice President of Operations for the Student Leadership Conference at Toronto Metropolitan University, I played a critical role in the planning, organization, and execution of one of the most impactful events for students at the Ted Rogers School of Management. My responsibilities encompassed a wide range of operational tasks designed to ensure the conference ran smoothly and effectively, empowering students to transform their leadership aspirations into actionable realities.Key Responsibilities:→ Internal Operations Management: Oversaw the internal operations of the conference, including organizing and coordinating the case competitions, which were central to the event. This involved meticulous planning and logistical management to ensure the seamless execution of all activities.→ Team Organization: Managed the distribution of over 140+ attendees into balanced and cohesive teams using Excel, taking into account their preferences and the friends they signed up with. This careful attention to detail was crucial in fostering an engaging and fair competition environment.→ Logistics Coordination: Managed all logistical aspects of the conference, from event setup to the coordination of case competition schedules, ensuring that all elements were aligned for a successful event.→ Leadership & Team Management: Led and supported a team of event organizers, providing guidance and direction to ensure that everyone was well-equipped to fulfill their roles. This included troubleshooting any issues that arose and ensuring that the event’s operations were executed smoothly.Impact:→ Successfully managed the operations of a major student leadership event, ensuring that over 140 participants had a positive and enriching experience.→ Enhanced the quality of the case competitions by ensuring fair team distribution and smooth logistical execution, contributing to the overall success of the conference.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In my role as a Career Education Advisor at the Career, Co-op, & Student Success Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University, I provided personalized career advising and support to young adults, helping them navigate their career paths with confidence and clarity. My work focused on delivering tailored guidance that addressed each student’s unique needs and goals.Key Responsibilities:→ One-on-One Consultations: Conducted over 100 individual young adult consultations, focusing on key areas such as resume crafting, cover letter composition, LinkedIn optimization, and the utilization of the Magnet platform. These sessions were designed to equip students with the tools they needed to succeed in the job market.→ Tailored Career Advising: Developed customized career advising strategies based on each individual's feedback and specific career aspirations. This personalized approach ensured that everyone received the most relevant and impactful guidance.→ Collaboration with Career Services: Worked closely with other advisors and career services staff to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to student support. This collaboration enhanced the overall effectiveness of our services.→ Resource Development: Contributed to the development of career resources, including guides and templates that I personally created. These resources effectively helped clients to improve their boost their confidence, and increase their chances of success in the competitive job market.Impact:→ Provided impactful career advising that resulted in significant improvements in their’ job applications, leading to better outcomes in their job search efforts.→ Enhanced the overall effectiveness of the Career, Co-op, & Student Success Centre by contributing to the development of resources and workshops that addressed the diverse needs of the student population.→ Played a key role in supporting client’s career development, helping them to build confidence and clarity in their career paths.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As a Team Lead at The Distillery Restaurants Corporation, I played a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of five diverse food service locations within Toronto’s historic Distillery District. My primary focus was on ensuring that each venue delivered a cohesive and exceptional brand experience to a high volume of both local and international visitors, while also managing a large team and maintaining smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.Key Responsibilities:→ Operational Oversight: Managed and coordinated operations across five distinct food service locations, ensuring that all venues provided a consistent and high-quality brand experience. → Team Leadership: Led and motivated a team of a total of 300 employees, roughly 80 per shift, implementing tailored training and development programs designed to foster growth, enhance efficiency, and uphold exceptional customer service standards. My leadership helped to create a supportive and productive work environment that empowered employees to perform at their best.→ Liaison & Communication: Acted as the primary liaison between the food venues and head district management, effectively communicating the collective interests and needs of the venues. I was responsible for articulating these needs in a way that aligned with the district’s strategic goals.→ Customer Experience Management: Ensured that all venues consistently delivered exceptional customer service, leading to positive experiences for more than two million visitors each year.Impact:→ Successfully led the operations of five busy food service locations, contributing to the Distillery District’s reputation as a top dining destination in Toronto.→ Enhanced team performance and customer satisfaction through strategic leadership and the implementation of effective training programs.→ Improved operational efficiency and brand consistency across multiple locations, resulting in a cohesive and memorable experience for all visitors.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As a Conference Associate for the Human Resources Student Association (HRSA) at Toronto Metropolitan University, I was responsible for various tasks in the planning, coordination, and execution of key events aimed at fostering professional development and networking among students. My role required a strong focus on outreach, stakeholder collaboration, and maintaining clear and effective communication.Key Responsibilities:→ Outreach & Engagement: Led outreach efforts to engage students, professionals, and stakeholders, ensuring high levels of participation and interest in HRSA events. This involved crafting tailored messages and leveraging various channels to maximize reach and impact.→ Operational Planning: Played a key role in the planning and logistical coordination of HRSA conferences, ensuring that all aspects of the event were meticulously organized and executed smoothly. → Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked closely with various stakeholders, including university faculty, industry professionals, and sponsors, to deliver events that provided two-way value. I ensured that the needs and expectations of all parties were met, contributing to the overall success of the conferences.→ Internal & External Communication: Maintained clear and consistent communication both internally within the HRSA team and externally with stakeholders. This ensured that all parties were aligned with the event’s objectives and that any potential issues were addressed promptly..Impact:→ Successfully engaged a diverse audience through targeted outreach and effective communication, leading to well-attended and impactful HRSA events.→ Played a crucial role in the seamless execution of conferences, ensuring that all operational and logistical aspects were handled professionally.→ Fostered strong relationships with stakeholders, enhancing the overall reputation and effectiveness of the Human Resources Student Association.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As a Customer Service Representative and Food Preparer at So Famous, I took on the crucial role of a 'Solo-Shift' employee, single-handedly managing multiple responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of the restaurant during specific shifts. My ability to multitask and adapt to changing customer needs was vital in maintaining a seamless service experience, even during peak times.Key Responsibilities:→ Solo-Shift Operations: Operated as a solo employee, managing the entirety of store operations, including customer service, point-of-sale transactions, and food preparation. This role required quick adaptability to changing customer needs and efficient multitasking between front-end and back-end tasks.→ Customer Service & Sales: Delivered exceptional customer service, handling all customer interactions with professionalism and efficiency. Processed transactions and orders accurately and promptly on the Point-of-Sale (POS) system, ensuring minimal wait times and high customer satisfaction.→ Collaboration with Owners: Worked closely with the restaurant’s owners to provide feedback on supply levels, customer trends, and operational efficiency. My insights contributed to optimized shift scheduling and improved stock forecasting, ensuring the restaurant’s operations ran smoothly.→ Quality & Efficiency: Ensured the quality of food preparation and service met the restaurant’s high standards, consistently delivering a positive dining experience for all customers.Impact:→ Played a key role in maintaining operational efficiency during solo shifts, ensuring that both customer service and food preparation were handled seamlessly, even during peak times.→ Contributed valuable insights to the owners, leading to more efficient operations and better resource management.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As the youngest individual to be promoted to Department Manager at McDonald’s, I excelled in leading customer-facing areas and maintaining a high Guest Satisfaction Score (GSS) for the store. My leadership and dedication to customer service consistently positioned me as the top-performing Guest Experience Leader each month.Key Responsibilities:→ Supervision & Management: Supervised and managed guest-related areas that encompassed half of the entire store, ensuring that all customer interactions were handled with the highest level of service. I was responsible for creating memorable “WOW” moments for families and children, going the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction.→ Guest Satisfaction Improvement: Successfully increased the GSS from 17% to roughly 80% within two months, breaking a 5+ year record. I maintained this high score, consistently achieving 80-90% monthly, due to my outstanding contributions to fostering a customer-centric environment.→ Team Leadership: Co-led the management of 15 store employees per shift, overseeing task delegation, equitable labor distribution, and station restructuring to enhance speed and accuracy. My leadership was instrumental in ensuring smooth operations and high team morale.→ Operational Efficiency: Performed essential pre-shift and post-shift tasks, including initiating start-of-shift discussions and resolving potential problems. My efforts significantly reduced downtime and improved coordination, resulting in excellent customer service times.→ Training & Development: Assisted in training employees on point-of-sale operations and shift-specific duties, ensuring that the team was well-equipped to meet the store’s high standards.Impact:→ Consistently maintained a top-performing Guest Satisfaction Score, setting a new standard for customer service at the store.→ Enhanced operational efficiency through effective team management and task delegation, leading to improved service times and overall customer satisfaction.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

In 2023, I had the honor of being selected as one of the 39 youth across Canada to participate in the Assembly for Digital Rights and Safety, a prestigious program organized by the Government of Canada, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and MASS LBP. This experience allowed me to engage in critical discussions about digital rights and online safety, contributing to national efforts to protect youth in digital spaces.Key Responsibilities:→ Intensive Program Participation: Engaged in a daily in-person intensive program focused on learning, discussing, and sharing insights about digital rights and online safety—and curating recommendations on the risks identified. → Presentation of Findings: Presented findings, recommendations, and revisions to a distinguished audience, including senators, policymakers, parliamentarians, and civil society organizations. Notable attendees included the Director General of the Democracy Unit at Global Affairs Canada and the CEO of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.→ Report Development: Contributed to the development of a final report that synthesized the recommendations and findings of the Youth Assembly. This report was shared with federal and provincial governments, policymakers, and civil society organizations to inform future policy-making.Key Issues Addressed:→ Lack of Oversight & Exploitative Practices: Highlighted the need for increased regulation to protect youth from harmful content and predatory behaviours online.→ Transparency & Digital Literacy: Emphasized the importance of transparency in digital platforms' practices and the need for a mandatory national digital literacy program.Our efforts contributed to the introduction of the Online Harms bill in Parliament, a significant step forward in protecting youth online. The bill was described as 'best-in-class' by Taylor Owen, Director of the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy, and incorporated numerous recommendations from our assembly.