Celebrating

 5 Years! 

NEW: 5 Year Impact Report

NEW: 5 Year Impact Report

Mission

Redefine

THRIVE

Thriving Asians is dedicated to uplifting the mental health, leadership, and holistic success of Asians across the diaspora. 

    • We’re leading the way in breaking cultural stigma - integrating Asian values & perspectives into empowering mental health messaging.

    • We’re changing the narrative - elevating community voices and culturally meaningful practices that support mental health. 

    • We’re expanding the definition of success to be holistic and inclusive of mental health. 

    • When we’re mentally healthy, we’re in the best mindset to succeed in school, career, family, relationships, and all other meaningful areas of life.

    • We’re challenging community members to own their power as role models & leaders to shape mentally healthier families & communities.

    • We’re shaping the next generation of leadership - training & cultivating interest in mental health professions among Asian young leaders. 

Core Messaging

Asian Mental
Health Matters

Mental Health Creates

a Foundation to Thrive

Self-Care is Essential
for Holistic Success

Culture & Community
Supports Mental Health

We Hold Power as
Leaders & Role Models

We Can Shape Mentally Healthier
Families, Communities
& Next Generation

Meet the Founder

Michelle G. Garcia is a second-generation Filipina American who is passionate about supporting the mental health of Asian youth, families, and communities.

Michelle started her career in global education, health & human rights - working in education in Southeast Asia; refugee resettlement in New York; human rights programming in the Middle East; and justice, equity, diversity & inclusion programming in higher education.

Following her own experiences of burnout and trauma, Michelle transitioned to the mental health field. She became a mental health educator & trainer; and learned self-compassion, self-care, and stress management strategies that were transformative for her own wellbeing.

Since 2019, Michelle has worked as a consultant specializing in the intersection of mental health, culture, and leadership. She founded Thriving Asians to advance culturally meaningful mental health education & initiatives reflective of shared Asian values; and to cultivate mental health leadership among the next generation of Asian youth.

Event Highlights

  • NYS AAPI Commission Inaugural Meeting

    📍 Queens, NY - 12/12/2024

  • Luisa Medel National High School Student Leaders Workshop

    📍 Bacolod, Philippines - 7/17/2024

  • White House Briefing for AANHPI Community Leaders

    📍Washington, DC - 5/10/2024

All Event Photos →

Testimonials

  What are people saying  

about Thriving Asians?

“The ideal amount of engagement. I loved the way it felt like a lecture in the sense that I could learn, but still allowed for so much participation. I had time to express myself and make connections through all the discussions and activities”

“The insight to Asian American mental health specifically! I've attended mental health workshops and Asian/BIPOC events before, but this was the most meaningful to me. Favorite workshop ever!”

“It was surreal seeing my mental health experiences as an Asian American represented on the screen. I had never seen my stressors put into words or taught in a class before.”

“The ideal amount of engagement. I loved the way it felt like a lecture in the sense that I could learn, but still allowed for so much participation. I had time to express myself and make connections through all the discussions and activities” “The insight to Asian American mental health specifically! I've attended mental health workshops and Asian/BIPOC events before, but this was the most meaningful to me. Favorite workshop ever!” “It was surreal seeing my mental health experiences as an Asian American represented on the screen. I had never seen my stressors put into words or taught in a class before.”

“The feeling of camaraderie. Hearing other people's experiences and realizing that we are quite similar made us all feel safe in this community”

“Michelle brought her voice, wisdom, and passion! It is crucial yet rare for mental health education and advocacy to be done in the context of community. She did exactly that”

“Intercultural & intergenerational communication strategies. This gave me the language for how to talk to my loved ones about mental health, and self-advocate in a way that conveys care (not frustration)”

“The feeling of camaraderie. Hearing other people's experiences and realizing that we are quite similar made us all feel safe in this community” “Michelle brought her voice, wisdom, and passion! It is crucial yet rare for mental health education and advocacy to be done in the context of community. She did exactly that” “Intercultural & intergenerational communication strategies. This gave me the language for how to talk to my loved ones about mental health, and self-advocate in a way that conveys care (not frustration)”

“The sense of empowerment! The session was emotionally heavy (in a good way), but leaving with that hopefulness helped keep this from being overwhelming”

“Finding ways our own culture IMPROVES mental health, not just focusing on the negative! Hearing everyone’s culturally relevant practices was heartwarming”

“Every detail was thoughtful and incorporated elements of AANHPI culture - even down to the food, drinks, board games, and karaoke!”

“The sense of empowerment! The session was emotionally heavy (in a good way), but leaving with that hopefulness helped keep this from being overwhelming” “Finding ways our own culture IMPROVES mental health, not just focusing on the negative! Hearing everyone’s culturally relevant practices was heartwarming” “Every detail was thoughtful and incorporated elements of AANHPI culture - even down to the food, drinks, board games, and karaoke!”

“Exploring the differences between Western mental health vs. Asian cultural values, but also finding new ways for those to co-exist”

“Finding common ground with family, and empathizing with my immigrant parents. I feel I understand them better after learning about intergenerational trauma. While our problems look different, we can agree they are all valid hardships, and we need to support each other regardless”

“The slides and talk were SO informative and relatable. They both reflected parts of my experience I already recognized, and articulated parts I am still working to grasp”

“Exploring the differences between Western mental health vs. Asian cultural values, but also finding new ways for those to co-exist” “Finding common ground with family, and empathizing with my immigrant parents. I feel I understand them better after learning about intergenerational trauma. While our problems look different, we can agree they are all valid hardships, and we need to support each other regardless” “The slides and talk were SO informative and relatable. They both reflected parts of my experience I already recognized, and articulated parts I am still working to grasp”