HMAE
Hinsdale Multicultural Arts & Education Association (HMAE), known in Chinese as 欣思多元文化艺术教育协会, is a community nonprofit dedicated to cultural celebration, education, and connection. Through annual traditions, educational practices, and shared experiences, we bring together families, learners, and community partners across diverse backgrounds.
Our Mission
Our work includes a series of annual, multi-venue community celebrations, overseas Chinese language education programs, training in written and oral communication skills, teamwork and leadership development, AI and future-ready skills education for youth, and parent education talks focused on family learning, with a strong emphasis on supporting the emotional well-being and mental health of both children and families. These efforts are rooted in cultural heritage while remaining open, inclusive, and responsive to the communities we serve.
Our Values
We believe that cultural traditions are living experiences—meant to be shared, learned, and carried forward together. By fostering communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding, HMAE seeks to build lasting bridges between cultures, generations, and communities.
Programs for Every Generation
Youth Program
HMAE Youth Program helps students turn their interests, talents, and school-based experiences into meaningful community service, leadership, and cross-cultural engagement.
Red Dragon Music Band
A student-led ensemble rooted in school-based music and cultural activities and connected to community service opportunities through HMAE.
Youth Leadership & Emceeing
HMAE provides young people with repeated opportunities to build confidence, communication, and leadership skills by serving as emcees, leading interactive activities, and taking on visible roles in community celebrations.
Adult Program
HMAE Adult Program creates opportunities for adults to share their skills, culture, and experiences while participating in community learning, service, and cultural exchange.
Community Learning & Cultural Programs
HMAE brings educational and cultural programs into everyday community settings, offering adults opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage through topics such as family education, Eastern culture, wellness, and lifelong learning.
Senior Program
HMAE Senior Program supports older adults in staying active, connected, and engaged through cultural activities, lifelong learning, community participation, and intergenerational exchange.
Senior Learning & Cultural Engagement
HMAE brings together seniors from different backgrounds and community groups, connecting them with opportunities for learning, social connection, cultural participation, and community engagement. Through partnerships with libraries, churches, and local organizations, seniors can take part in ESL learning, cultural activities, performances, and intergenerational programs.
Cross-Generational Cultural Programs
Tea Culture & Practice
Through ongoing training across generations, HMAE helps youth, adults, and seniors learn Chinese tea culture and tea practice while building confidence, mindfulness, and opportunities to share the tradition with the community.
Dumpling Culture & Hands-On Experience
Building on HMAE’s experience offering dumpling-making activities at community celebrations, this expanded program combines hands-on learning with the history, traditions, and symbolism of Chinese dumplings. Participants learn basic dumpling-making techniques while connecting across generations and cultures.
Education for the Future
In addition to traditional cultural and educational celebrations, HMAE is continually expanding its programs to include workshops and courses focused on youth mental health and parent education. These initiatives aim to support families in helping young people develop new learning approaches and mindsets in the age of artificial intelligence, including creativity, critical thinking, and responsible use of technology.
Our goal is to work together with parents and the broader community to nurture children’s emotional well-being, empower them to confidently navigate emerging technologies, and build a brighter future together.
Our Community Impact
Over the past several years, HMAE and its volunteers have helped build meaningful traditions within the Hinsdale community. Our celebrations have brought together families from diverse cultural backgrounds, received strong community participation, and gained support from local schools, libraries, village leaders, and media outlets.
Through these efforts, HMAE continues to foster connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging for all.
Leadership + Founder introduction + Read Lucy’s Bio
HMAE is led by a dedicated team of community members who are passionate about education, culture, and community service.
Meet Our Founder
Ying “Lucy” Zhou, Ph.D.
Founder & President
Lucy brings extensive experience in education, curriculum design, community leadership, and cultural program development. Her work has helped build connections among libraries, schools, churches, community organizations, civic partners, and local residents while developing multicultural celebrations and educational programs that are growing into recurring community traditions.
Vice President, Programs: Cathy Li
Vice President, Operations & Logistics: Yinghong Cao
Treasurer: Fanny Chang
Secretary: Yili Pokay
Hinsdale Multicultural Arts & Education Association (HMAE) 