Founded originally in 2026 as part of our participation in Asian Focus’ annual dragon boat race, The Water Eagles are an inspiring part of UCA WAVES’ work to support Southeast Asian youth, particularly Karen refugee youth. At UCA WAVES, we recognize that youth well-being extends beyond mental health alone. Educational opportunities, financial stability, leadership development, and a sense of belonging all play important roles in helping young people thrive. The Water Eagles bring these priorities together by creating opportunities for youth to learn, connect, build confidence, and lead.
With three main pillars including youth empowerment, mental health education (including opioid prevention), and dragon boat racing, this dedicated team of change-makers has already been involved in a range of meaningful activities. We’re proud to see the Water Eagles growing in their impact, and we look forward to all they will accomplish next. Interested in getting involved? Contact Contact Water Eagles leader at Ku Htoo at ku.htoo@ucawaves.org!
EMPOWERING YOUTH
Developing leadership skills, encouraging civic engagement, and helping Southeast Asian youth, particularly Karen refugee youth, become active and confident community members.
PROMOTING PREVENTION
Promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and opioid prevention education while reducing stigma and building supportive peer relationships.
DRAGON BOAT RACING
Using dragon boat racing and team-based activities to build resilience, strengthen relationships, foster belonging, and support youth well-being.
Showing Up for Suicide Prevention
On October 17th, the Water Eagles participated in Peak Resilience: A Community Conversation on Suicide Prevention, joining community members to build awareness, share resources, and strengthen connections around suicide prevention and well-being. There, they also hosted a resource table, providing an opportunity to connect with attendees and share mental health information. The experience reflects the Water Eagles’ commitment to youth well-being, suicide prevention, and building supportive communities.
Water Eagles Explore Civic Engagement & Youth Leadership
The Water Eagles explored civic engagement and youth leadership through conversations with public servants like Maria Cervania and connections with young leaders in the AAPI community. The youth also received guidance on college applications and FAFSA from WAVES volunteer Moxuan Zhu, who developed an app to help students navigate the process. These experiences reflect UCA WAVES’ commitment to supporting youth well-being through educational and financial resources, leadership development, and meaningful community connections.
Bringing Community, Culture & Joy to Asia Fest!
On September 23, UCA WAVES joined Asian Focus NC for Asia Fest, where the Water Eagles, a dragon boat team made up largely of Karen youth, competed in their first-ever dragon boat race after just four practices. Through teamwork, communication, and perseverance, the youth improved their times with each race, earned a place in the A bracket, and finished third in their group by just milliseconds. The experience provided an opportunity to build confidence, leadership, resilience, and connection while celebrating Asian culture and community.
