2025-2026                   

Youth Mental Health

Leadership Programs

Next Generation Asian Mental Health Leadership

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Next Generation Asian Mental Health Leadership •

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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

Learn More: Education

Meet the Founder

Michelle G. Garcia

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 in the Middle East; and justice, equity, diversity & inclusion 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, DEI, 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.

Youth Mental Health Leadership:
2025-2026 Students

Welcome 2025-2026 Youth Mental Health Leaders & Mentors!

Our most diverse cohort yet, this year’s community gathers 30+ students and mentors - from across 13 states and 3 countries.

Meet the Students that are spearheading Asian mental health leadership in their communities

Meet the Students

Youth Mental Health Leadership: 2025 Highlights

  • The Walker School

    AANHPI Mental Health Photojournalism & Capstone Presentation - Created by Iris Liu

    📍Marietta, GA

  • North Carolina Asian Americans Together Youth Leadership Institute

    “Redefining Mental Health for AANHPI Young Leaders” Workshop - Led by Jessica Tobes

    📍 Chapel Hill, NC

  • Chinese Community Center of the Capital District: CAPE Youth Mental Health

    “Art & Mental Health Toolkit” Project - Co-Created by Christina Hua & Chryceis Hollars

    📍Latham, NY

  • Asian Americans United: Summer Leadership Program

    “Safe Spaces & Peer Support for AANHPI Youth” Workshop - Created by Caleb Chung

    📍Philadelphia, PA

  • Make Noise Today

    #YOUthConnect AANHPI Mental Health Youth Roundtable - Co-Facilitated by Magdalena Mercado

    📍 Long Beach, CA

  • Arizona AANHPI for Equity

    “Redefining Mental Health for AANHPI Young Leaders” Workshop - Led by Aani Nagaiah

    📍Phoenix, AZ

  • Act to Change: Youth Ambassadors Program

    “Redefining Mental Health: A Foundation for Success for AANHPI Young Leaders” Workshop - Co-Facilitated by Jessica Tobes

  • NYS Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day

    Legislative Advocacy by Christina Hua & Chryceis Hollars

    📍 Albany, NY

Learn More: Youth Mental Health Leadership

NYS Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day

New York State Proclaims Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day - May 10, 2025

“I am privileged with the opportunity to help create a mental health toolkit using art to support AANHPI youth. This day means honoring our culture while breaking the stigma around mental health and healing through creative expression, community, and visibility.”

-Christina Hua, TA Youth Mental Health Ambassador, CCC-CAPE Founder & President 

“NYS' Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day matters to me because reducing the stigma around talking about our mental health, especially among the younger generation, is something that I am personally striving to achieve in my community. An acknowledged mental health day is a huge step forward for our society to create safe spaces to communicate.”

-Chryceis Hollars, TA Youth Mental Health Ambassador, CCC-CAPE Treasurer

In partnership with the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA), Thriving Asians is proud to have contributed to the inaugural passing of AANHPI Mental Health Day in New York State.

Learn More →

Philippine Consulate General in NY: Evening with Distinguished Women

Founder Michelle G. Garcia Honored as a Distinguished Filipino American Woman in Mental Health

Founder & Director Michelle G. Garcia is honored at the Philippine Consulate General in NY Annual Evening with Distinguished Women.

The 2025 event focused recognized Ms. Garcia and fellow honorees for exemplary achievements in the mental health field, and for serving as inspirations for the Filipino American community and Filipino women worldwide.

As honoree & speaker, Ms. Garcia used the global platform to elevate Filipino youth mental health voices, and highlight shared mental health experiences of kababayan across the diaspora.

Learn More →

Event Highlights

  • North Carolina Asian Americans Together Youth Leadership Institute

    📍 Chapel Hill, NC - 7/9/2025

  • NYS Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day

    📍 Albany, NY - 5/10/2025

  • Philippine Consulate General in NY Evening with Distinguished Women

    📍 Manhattan, NY - 3/11/2025

  • NYS AAPI Commission Inaugural Meeting

    📍 Queens, NY - 12/12/2024

  • White House Briefing for AANHPI Community Leaders

    📍Washington, DC - 5/10/2024

  • Luisa Medel National High School Student Leaders Workshop

    📍 Bacolod, Philippines - 7/17/2024

All Event Photos →

Impact

🎉 Celebrating 5 Years

Founded in 2019, Thriving Asians grew from a “passion project” to an organization with a global reach.

We’ve made major strides in our first few years - running on part-time efforts of the Founder, dedicated volunteers, and community collaborators; and operating fully self-funded.

We’re proud to share our impact so far!

At a Glance

View: 5 Year Impact Report

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”

Participant Testimonials →
Organization Testimonials →