Feng Cheng
PERSEVERING FOR THE FUTURE
Before finishing high school, Feng left the small village in China where she grew up and emigrated to the U.S. to support her family. She graduated from George Mason University with a double major in Finance and Technology, becoming a first-generation graduate. Knowing little to no English, Feng always carried an English dictionary with her to translate each of her assignments, to learn the language and to better understand the new culture. Although being isolated from her family and friends was challenging, it allowed her to focus on her coursework and work multiple full-time jobs to support her loved ones.
Feng’s difficult but fruitful journey paved the path to her current role within Freddie Mac’s Multifamily division. Leveraging her background as a personal banker at Wachovia and data analyst at Gate Gourmet, Feng was well-suited for her first role as a pricing & securitization associate at Freddie Mac, which later evolved into her current role as a manager in the Structuring team. In her role, she plays a pivotal role in the support of the Small Balance Loan (SBL) and Tax-Exempt Loan (TEL or ML) securitization programs, which are integral to Freddie Mac’s mission. Feng also spearheads a variety of projects, focused on optimizing execution strategies and balancing risk-adjusted returns. She enjoys seeing the positive impact her work has on the families that might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing.
Outside of work, Feng stays busy toting her daughter around from dance recitals to practices, while also juggling her young son’s activities. She is passionate about travel and immersing herself and her family into new cultures — so that her children can see the world and learn from a variety of experiences.
Let’s hear more from Feng on how her background helped her succeed at Freddie Mac.
What does diversity mean to you?
A: In its simplest form, diversity means different cultures and different backgrounds, things that make a person unique. Diversity allows teams to bring more value to the company. For example, I could have a completely different idea on solving an issue compared with someone else on my team. This allows us to grow and find the best possible solutions. I have found that diversity also helps creativity within the team. One person cannot see the whole picture, so when a diverse group comes together, it provokes different viewpoints. The inclusivity at Freddie Mac is a key reason I have remained here for so long, as it aligns with my values.
How do you see your job impacting the bigger mission?
A: Being part of the Capital Markets Structuring team, I have the opportunity to work on many mission-rich deal types. SBL, ML-Deals and Q-Deals, for example, all focus on affordability, and it’s empowering to see first-hand how Freddie Mac makes home possible for families that are struggling to find a home. Moving forward, I want to continue to work with these affordable deals to further enrich the lives of others. I am very grateful to assist people in finding safe and affordable housing for their families.
Ten years from now, what would you like to say you accomplished here?
A: I want to continue building on my experiences while helping other Freddie Mac employees better understand the business. When I first joined the team, there was a lot of information to absorb, and I was still developing my skills. I would love to help others enhance their understanding of the business and enrich their experience, much like the assistance I received.
What's one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
A: I would tell myself that my hard work and persistence will pay off. Sometimes you fail to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I have learned that persistence is the best way. Following through helps you gain a better understanding of life and leads to positive outcomes. There were many times after moving to America when I wanted to give up, and I am so glad I didn’t.
Feng with her family in Cozumel, Mexico
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