About CCAST

 Lin Lin is Chair and Founder of the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese and cross-cultural arts, heritage, and education through community programming, performance, and outreach. She led the organization’s transition to formal nonprofit status in 2024 and now provides leadership in strategic planning, organizational development, volunteer coordination, community partnerships, and grant readiness. Lin also leads C-Motion, a Chinese folk dance team under CCAST, supporting public performances and educational activities that expand cultural access and community engagement. Professionally, Lin is a Principal Scientist at Corning Incorporated, where she leads R&D programs and cross-functional initiatives. Her combined experience in organizational leadership, program planning, and community-centered cultural work supports CCAST’s mission to build sustainable arts programming and broaden public appreciation of cultural traditions.

Ray He is Vice President and Co‑Founder of the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST). In this role, he provides organizational leadership and supports the planning and implementation of programs that promote Chinese cultural heritage, cross‑cultural understanding, and community engagement. Prior to co‑founding CCAST, Ray served as Chair of the Corning Chinese Association, an employee resource group at Corning Incorporated, where he led cultural initiatives as well as professional development programs for members, strengthening leadership capacity and organizational engagement while laying the groundwork for CCAST’s establishment.

Professionally, Ray is a Senior Software Engineer and Software Product Line Manager in the Engineering Department at Corning Incorporated. He leads software development initiatives across multiple Corning business units, contributing technical expertise, strategic planning, and cross‑functional coordination. Ray’s experience in organizational governance, professional development programming, and complex project management enhances CCAST’s administrative capacity and supports the delivery of sustainable, high‑quality cultural and educational programs.

Haihong Li is Treasurer of the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST), where she provides financial oversight and administrative support for the organization’s growth as a nonprofit arts and cultural organization. In this role, she supports budgeting, expense tracking, reporting, nonprofit compliance, and grant readiness, including preparation of financial and registration documentation. Professionally, Haihong is an FP&A Controller at Corning Incorporated with extensive experience in financial planning, reporting, internal controls, and business support. She also brings prior global finance leadership experience from progressive controller roles at Valeo across the United States, China, and France. Her expertise in financial management and organizational discipline helps strengthen CCAST’s fiscal stewardship and operational capacity.

  Dawei Ding is Secretary of the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST), where he supports nonprofit administration, board operations, and organizational documentation for the organization’s growth and cultural programming. He has contributed to nonprofit setup, record keeping, and operational coordination that strengthen CCAST’s administrative capacity and continuity. Professionally, Dawei is a Business Controller at Corning Incorporated with experience in financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, and process improvement. He also brings prior accounting and audit experience from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Dawei holds an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University and is a Certified Public Accountant of China. His background in finance, documentation, and organizational support helps reinforce CCAST’s governance and operational readiness.

Phil Brown serves in Communication for the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST), where he supports public outreach and helps strengthen the organization’s connection with the broader community. He brings strong communication skills, community-minded leadership, and a commitment to expanding awareness of CCAST’s cultural programs and mission. Phil’s interest in cultural heritage and community engagement is also reflected in his family life, where he is dedicated to helping the next generation understand and celebrate their heritage and cultures. Professionally, Phil is a Functional Coatings Manager at Corning Incorporated, bringing experience in leadership, collaboration, and strategic communication that supports CCAST’s outreach efforts and community impact.

Yinghong Chen serves as Cashier for the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST) and brings more than 10 years of experience in community event services. Her dedication to CCAST is reflected in her work to support well-organized, impactful, and inclusive events that enrich the community’s cultural experiences. Through her steady support and commitment, Yinghong helps strengthen CCAST’s ability to serve and engage the broader community.

  Shoonhsin Li is the Membership Development leader of the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST). In this role, he provides initiatives for membership outreach, thanking and rewarding members who contribute to the community, as well as planning and elevating visibility of the organization through visual media and communications. Prior to joining the CCAST board, Shoonhsin was engaged in various community activities within the Southern Tier, such as the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Special Olympics programs. He also is a participant of the arts, leading the Cultural Documentation workshop team in partnership with the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes and a former member of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. As a hobby, Shoonhsin also is involved with swim coaching to help age group swimmers in the local area develop their skills competitively.

Professionally, Shoonhsin is a Scientist at Corning Incorporated, as part of the Organic Materials directorate. He leads and is part of multiple workstreams concerning Advanced-Flow reactors as well as the new Critical Materials directive by Emerging Innovations Group. His experience in working in new fields and cross-team environments has allowed him to provide breadth to CCAST’s outreach and cultural programming.

  Xiaoxiao Hu serves as Community Outreach for CCAST, where she strives to strengthen the connection in the local Chinese community. Xiaoxiao grew up in Longyan, Fujian, a region renowned for its deep Hakka cultural heritage and the UNESCO‑listed Tulou architecture. Being part of Hakka People, Xiaoxiao draws inspiration from the Hakka tradition of perseverance, adaptability, and collective responsibility. This distinctive part of her upbringing contributed greatly to Xiaoxiao’s strong sense of community. At CCAST, she hopes to connect different parts of the Chinese community and help bring Chinese culture to the wider community.

Xinyi Qin serves as Marketing and Social Media lead for the Chinese Cultural Association of the Southern Tier (CCAST), where she uses creative storytelling and digital media to promote Chinese culture and strengthen community engagement. Born and raised in China, Xinyi is passionate about using storytelling to bridge cultural gaps and bring people closer through shared experiences. With a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a background in documentary, film, and media production, she helps capture and share the vibrant spirit of CCAST’s events, programs, and mission. Xinyi is dedicated to expanding community connection across the Southern Tier through thoughtful digital outreach and culturally grounded storytelling.