Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng is a prominent figure in the field of speech-language pathology, with a focus on ASD, ADHD, and mental health issues across the lifespan. She graduated from the Department of Foreign Languages at National Taiwan University, earned her first PhD from Claremont Graduate University, and holds her second PhD in Speech Pathology and Multicultural Education from Michigan State University. While serving as a professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University, she also works as a doctor at San Diego Children’s Hospital.

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Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng has provided significant resources and assistance to those with special needs, including individuals with deafness and autism spectrum disorders. Her impactful work in speech and language disorders has earned her prestigious awards such as the 1997 ASHA Award for Multicultural Affairs and the 2002 Diversity Award from the California Speech & Hearing Association, and 2007 the best research article award from Council of Exceptional Children.

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As a leader in speech and language pathology, Dr. Cheng has championed diversity and inclusion through roles like past chair of ASHA's Multicultural Issues Board, where she founded the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus. An ASHA Fellow, she also presided over the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics and served as the Chair of the Medical Assurance Board of the State of California and Board Member of the California Health Foundation.

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Dr. Cheng chairs the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, serves as Executive Director of the Chinese Studies Institute, and is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at SDSU. She also serves on multiple boards, influencing both local and global communities, and profoundly impacts education and healthcare.

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She has published widely, delivered international lectures, and consulted for entities like Sesame Street, advocating neurodiversity and inclusion and believes strongly that education is a human right.