The Future of AAPI Wellbeing is in Great Hands

One of the highlights of our Community In Action Mental Health Summit was our Young Scholars & Advocates Session, where youth researchers, advocates, and digital storytellers shared innovative projects exploring some of the most pressing issues facing AAPI communities today.

Covering topics ranging from mental health stigma and family resilience to youth civic engagement, health literacy, and creative approaches to advocacy, these presentations reflected the wide-ranging interests and remarkable talent of the next generation of changemakers. We were especially excited to welcome presenters from diverse backgrounds across the United States (and even Hong Kong!) demonstrating the global impact of youth leadership in mental health.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Meina Liu for organizing this incredible session, as well as to our distinguished judges—Victor Armstrong, MSW; Dr. Mary Shen; Dr. Bonnie Liao; Jing (Gene) Chang; and Jing Kong—for sharing their time, expertise, and encouragement with our presenters. Last but not least, congratulations to all of our outstanding presenters. Your scholarship, creativity, and passion remind us that the next generation isn’t just preparing to shape the future of mental health, but already leading the way.

Want to check out the full list of projects? Scroll down!

Presentations

Mabelle Liu, “Intentions vs. Actions: Effects of Personal and Social Drivers of Youth Activism Regarding Banned Ethnic Studies Books Among High School Students” 

Tianlin Jiang, “Fighting a Silent War Against Mental Illness: Asian American Immigrant Families’ Communicated Narrative Sensemaking and Co-Construction of Resilience”

Rewa Srivastava, “Bridging Policy Gaps in Health Literacy and Medical Financial Literacy to Improve Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents: A Community-Based Intervention Study”

Mia Li, “The Weight of Respect: Mental Health in Chinese and Korean Filial Piety.” 

Claire Cui & Eric Sun, “CAPA-BC Special Needs Program” 

Lauren Lan, “The Cycle of Silence: Why Mental Health Remains Stigmatized in Asian Communities” 

Abigale Dong, “Mapping Domestic Violence and Barriers to Support in AAPI Communities: 

Rosina Chen, “The Impact of Civic Engagement on Youth Development

Rhema Yang, “Link of anti-gliadin antibodies to gastrointestinal symptoms in people with schizophrenia” 

Claire Zhao, “Service as self: Youth civic engagement as a tool for cultural identity, belonging, and wellness in the AAPI community”

Yi-Chen Kong, “”Balancing Blades: Mental Health and Well-being in Student-Athletes”

Aditi Ediga, “Breaking Away: Dance Poetry on AAPI Mental Health”