REDEFINE
THRIVE
Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs
2026-2027 Applications Open!
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Get Involved as a Student or Mentor
•
Apply by Sept 20!
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2026-2027 Applications Open! • Get Involved as a Student or Mentor • Apply by Sept 20! •
Mission
Redefine
THRIVE
Thriving Asians is dedicated to uplifting the mental health, leadership, and holistic success of Asians across the diaspora.
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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.
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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.
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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
2026-2027 Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs
Join a supportive community of next-generation Asian leaders uplifting mental health & wellbeing.
Applications due September 20!
Jaisohn Center AAPI Youth & Family Mental Wellness Forum
AAPI Youth & Family Mental Wellness Forum: Bridging Cultures, Strengthening Relationships
The Jaisohn Center AAPI Coalition gathered together PA youth, families, community leaders, and mental health professionals for the inaugural Youth & Family Mental Wellness Forum.
The event featured Thriving Asians Executive Director Michelle G. Garcia leading a keynote address on “Redefining Mental Health: A Foundation for Success for AANHPI Youth, Families & Community,” and Youth Network Coordinator Iris Liu facilitating the “Youth Mental Health Leadership” workshop.
Achieving Whole Health
for Asian Young Leaders
AANHPI Young Leaders Achieving Whole Health
Thriving Asians Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs concluded the 2025-2026 cycle with the Achieving Whole Health Program in celebration of “self-care summer.”
The program, hosted in collaboration with NAAPIMHA’s Summer Youth Leadership Series, trained high performing teens and young adults in culturally grounded strategies for self-care and community care.
Offered after the academic year-long Youth Mental Health Leadership training, the summer program provided space for students to recenter their own health & wellbeing, and renew motivation towards their holistic goals.
Congratulations, AWH Young Leaders!
Sponsor Spotlight
Meet TA Sponsor & Community Champion, Mitty Mau!
Mitty Mau is an AANHPI family-owned clothing brand advocating for wellbeing. Founder Liang Xu (also a TA Mentor) was inspired by her family’s mental health journey. Mitty Mau’s cat-themed design comforts the body, while supporting the heart. Their proceeds support community mental health initiatives, including the 2026-2027 TA Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs.
Career Pathways for the Youth Mental Health Leader
A “Career Day” for Asian Mental Health
Thriving Asians hosted the Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs’ inaugural Career Day. The session served to cultivate professional interest in the mental health field among next generation AANHPI leaders; and highlight the many interdisciplinary pathways (clinical & non-clinical) to make positive impacts in AANHPI community mental health.
Speakers shared stories of pursuing the mental health professions, and maintaining resiliency amid pressure & uncertainty. Students had the chance for “real talk” with professionals on navigating parental/family pressure, overcoming imposter syndrome, and making your own path to success.
Legislative Advocacy:
AANHPI Mental Health Day 2026
Thriving Asians is proud to spearhead the second consecutive Proclamation of AANHPI Mental Health Day in New York State in partnership with the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA).
Cold Tea Collective Feature:
National Mentoring Month
Building Strength in AANHPI Communities Through Mentorship Programs
Cold Tea Collective’s National Mentoring Month spotlight features Thriving Asians for actively cultivating leadership, care, and access across generations and identities within AANHPI communities.
The Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs are highlighted as AANHPI identity-based mentorship programs where youth are supported in their leadership growth and in envisioning future pathways in mental health and community care.
Check out the full story to learn how mentorship takes AANHPI communities from surviving to collective thriving.
The World Feature:
Helping Teens Handle College Stress
A New Way to Help Asian American Teens Handle College Admissions Stresses
The World features Thriving Asians and SPEAK’s pilot Young Visionaries in Wellness & Leadership Program as a solution for helping AANHPI teenagers struggling with school-related pressure.
Young Visionaries and Ambassadors share their insights to the pressures faced by AANHPI students, and their peer-led implementation projects that break stigma and promote wellbeing in their communities.
Check out the full article and public radio feature by Heidi Shin to learn how history shaped the pressures felt by AANHPIs, and the creative community solutions driving change.
United Nations Youth
Association of the Philippines
Philippine Ambassador Leads UNYAP Localization of SDG 3: “Good Health & Wellbeing”
Thriving Asians proudly endorsed Senior Ambassador Trisha Ann Apio as she represented mental health interests at the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines 1st Convention on SDG Localization.
At the Legazpi City convention, Trisha advocated for youth leadership in implementing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - highlighting SDG 3 Good Health & Wellbeing; and interweaving SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals.
In her election speech, Trisha emphasized "leadership becomes meaningful when it changes lives,” and shared her journey of anchoring each of her leadership initiatives in SDGs. Now UNYAP Officer of the Visayas Region, Trisha continues to elevate mental health leadership on a national & global platform.
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
Youth Mental Health Leadership: 2025 Highlights
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.
Event Highlights
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
Testimonials
What are people saying
about Thriving Asians?