Advocacy is central for WAVES, and the “A” in our name reflects our commitment to elevating AAPI voices. From participating in national events like the Rally for the Public’s Health and the White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening, to publishing op-eds that spotlight community experiences and gaps in culturally competent care, WAVES works to bring real stories and needs into public conversations.

Our advocacy goes beyond events. We integrate it into everything we do—parent education, youth support, MHFA training, and community-led research that builds evidence for culturally grounded solutions. Through national partnerships, storytelling, and data-driven insights, WAVES advances a future where mental wellness is accessible, understood, and shaped by communities most impacted.

Rally for the Public’s Health at the National Mall

In November 2025, WAVES joined advocates from across the country at the Rally for the Public’s Health on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., an event hosted by the American Public Health Association (APHA) to spotlight urgent issues such as mental health, violence prevention, and health equity.

White House AANHPI Mental Health Convening

In July 2024, Lily Chen, Unite Chinese Americans (UCA) WAVES Executive Director, and Elaine Peng, Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities (MHACC) Executive Director, attended the White House AANHPI Mental Health Convening.

60th Anniversary of March on Washington

In July 2024, Lily Chen, Unite Chinese Americans (UCA) WAVES Executive Director, and Elaine Peng, Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities (MHACC) Executive Director, attended the White House AANHPI Mental Health Convening.