Renee Shi was born in Fairfax, Virginia, and was the daughter of two first-generation Chinese immigrants. She was a student at Langley High School. In her free time, she enjoyed drawing, animating, writing, and crocheting. She was an avid advocate of gun control and founded the all-girls non-profit organization “Girls Against Gun Violence” to help the victims of gun violence.

Renee was also recognized as the American Dream Best Middle School Winner at the 2023 All American High School Film Festival and participated in the 2024 Ridgewood International Film Festival interview.