We have established the Parents’ Executive Committee to ensure that all parents can participate in the foundation’s work, understand the situations of different families, and provide encouragement and support in various aspects. The members of the Parents’ Executive Committee are rotated every two years. We welcome everyone to sign up for service. With more people participating, our cause can benefit more families with autism.
The current members of the Parents’ Executive Committee are:
I’m Lisa Xiaoli Zhang, born in Heilongjiang. I have one son named Bryan, born in July 1997. Diagnosed
with autism when he was two and a half years old. We came to the U.S. in March 2003, while taking care
of Bryan, my husband and I started our own company here. In the process of growing up with Bryan, I
summed up an experience: all efforts will be rewarded. Currently, Bryan has graduated from UCSB and
has a stable job.
Jing Wu is from Guangzhou, China. She graduated from SCUT and Harvard and is a Landscape Architect. She is
also a registered rep and investment advisor. In order to help her ASD son’s growth and recovery, she explores varies resources. She shares her experience with other families in the community and becomes an IF for Self Determination Program. Her efforts will help those special need kids with a better future.
Dr. Zhilei (Julie) Liu Shen is an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at USC Norris Cancer Hospital. She received her doctorate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. She is passionate about building an inclusive community and advocating for kids with neurodiversity because her son is on the Autism spectrum. She is excited to serve on the Franklin Foundation parent committee, where her passion and expertise will make positive change. Let us make the world a better place, one family and one community at a time.
My name is Irene Leung. I’m a stay at home mother. I take care of two children with autism. I had
worked in early childhood education in Hong Kong for many years. In recent years I have been engaged
in some charity work related to autistic children. I hope I can share some experiences with everybody,
lend everyone some support and encouragement on this difficult road. Every autistic kid is an angel.
Lead them, guide them and walk with them. I believe, tomorrow will be a better day.
Amy Wu was crowned the champion of the inaugural 2023 California Chinese Mothers’ Elegance Pageant, named the official image ambassador of the event, and honored as the Chinese spokesperson for Bloomingdale’s luxury department store in 2024—earning the rare distinction of a “triple crown.”
She possesses a captivating voice and is a well-known, elegant singer in the Southern California Chinese community, having won numerous singing competitions.
Amy was once selected as a talented youth delegate of the Republic of China’s Youth Friendship Mission, representing the nation in cultural exchanges and talent performances on tour. She is also deeply devoted to public service, frequently participating in charity concerts organized by various groups to support underprivileged communities.
Former well-known host and producer at Beijing Radio
Former member of the China Quyi Artists Association and council member of the Beijing Quyi Artists Association
Currently the producer and host of the Mandarin radio program “Happy Yajuan” on AM1380 New York and AM1300 Los Angeles
Founder of RAYA Art & Education, an integrated arts education classroom
Director in charge of the FanShu Overseas Orange County Service Center
CEO of Sunshine Heart Foundation (a non-profit organization)
Harvey Sheen, Committee Member
Harvey Sheen came from Shandong Province, China, and moved to the United States in 2004 to pursue his education and future career. He earned a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity and later became an Environmental and Logistics Specialist in California. Over the years, Harvey has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his dedication to community service. As a proud father of two boys, he is deeply passionate about supporting children with autism and special needs, advocating for inclusion, awareness, and family engagement. In his personal life, Harvey enjoys outdoor activities and traveling, as well as spending time interacting with youth and children, inspiring them through teamwork, mentorship, and positive values.
Dali Chen, Committee Member
Born in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, Chen Dali previously worked for the Inner Mongolia Forestry Industry Group. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economic Management.
He currently resides in Diamond Bar, Los Angeles, and enjoys ball games, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Chen Dali’s aspiration is to focus on the physical and mental well-being of vulnerable groups. He hopes that through his own efforts, he can make the world around him warmer and more empathetic, and help children with autism lead lives that are warm, meaningful, and full of depth and breadth.
Grace Yu, Committee Member
Grace Yu is currently a medical aesthetics consultant at NOVA in Irvine. She previously worked as a beauty editor for a fashion magazine in Shanghai and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Donghua University.
Passionate about reading and traveling, she hopes to contribute her professional experience, organizational skills, and firsthand insights as a parent to the support and advocacy for children with autism and their families.
Eve Ren, Committee Member
Eve Ren, previously employed at Philips Healthcare, holds a Master’s degree in Microelectronics from Tianjin University and currently resides in Irvine, California.
As a parent of a 14-year-old son with severe autism, she has participated in the TACA Autism Conferences in recent years and realized that both society and researchers have paid far too little attention to individuals with moderate to severe autism—especially those who, as adults, will be unable to live independently and will require lifelong community support.
She hopes to help Franklin Foundation parents, particularly those raising older children with moderate to severe autism, work together to realize the vision of the Sequoia Project, creating a comfortable and supportive living environment for these children in the future.