Xiaofei "Fei" Dong, Ph.D. is President and Co-Founder of Art for Hope Foundation (AFH). As the operational lead for Art for Hope, Fei oversees the organization’s strategic direction, program delivery, and community outreach. She works closely with the board and volunteer teams to translate Art for Hope's mission into impactful arts-based initiatives.

Fei brings a unique analytical rigor to the nonprofit space, holding a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. With over two decades of experience as a digital design consultant specializing in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), she has spent her career optimizing complex hardware systems. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Fei is a dedicated community advocate. She is a co-founder and board member of the Young Innovator Institute and has spent years volunteering for organizations that empower underserved populations.

Shang Xue, Ph.D. is Co-Founder, Vice President, and Board Member of Art for Hope Foundation (AFH). In this role, she supports program planning, partnerships, fundraising, and operational development, contributing to the organization’s overall growth and effectiveness.

She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Statistics, and was a faculty member at a research university, with an extensive record of peer-reviewed publications in engineering and quantitative research. Her professional background spans both academia and the financial industry, including over 15 years of experience in quantitative modeling and financial planning at leading global financial institutions.

A self-taught artist currently pursuing a Painting Certificate at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she integrates artistic practice into AFH’s creative programming. She is also actively engaged in volunteer service, community partnerships, and initiatives supporting pediatric patients and underserved communities.

Guannan Zheng, Ph.D. is Co-Founder and Marketing and Communications Director of Art for Hope Foundation (AFH), where she leads the organization’s communications, outreach, and publicity efforts, and drives marketing initiatives that expand AFH’s visibility and community engagement. She also plays a key role in event planning and organizational support.

She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and a master’s degree in Predictive Analytics, and works in the fintech industry, where she applies data-driven approaches to expand access to financial services for credit-underserved populations. Her professional experience includes predictive modeling, applied analytics, and the translation of data insights into practical business and product strategies.

With a strong interest in art and craft-making, she believes in the transformative power of the arts to inspire and connect communities. She has been actively involved in AFH’s programs since its founding, contributing to the design and implementation of creative initiatives and community-based activities.