Today is World Mental Health Day. | | At WAVES, we’re reminded why our mission matters—to uplift stories, foster healing, and advocate for the mental well-being of all. Together, we can make waves of change. | | |
Big Dreams Realized: WAVES Conference A Huge Success! | |
Wow. It’s hard to put into words how powerful this event was. While we spent countless hours over half a year putting this conference together, I think the end result transcended our wildest dreams.
Roughly 300 people came together for Roots & Resilience: The Power of Data & Stories to Advance AAPI Youth Mental Health–youth, parents, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and community leaders all in one space. Through data-sharing and story-telling, we explored urgent matters that affect our communities and our lived experiences
What stood out most was the courage of our youth and families. Their voices reminded us why this work matters, that behind every statistic is a human being, with hopes, struggles, and resilience. The “I Wish” wall, the poster session, the wellness and cultural activities, and the youth panel all reflected a community ready to be seen and heard.
We also saw the power of collaboration: leaders across sectors joining forces, film and storytelling opening hearts, cultural traditions grounding us in healing, and professionals committing to new ways of showing up for AAPI youth mental health.
We left inspired, challenged, and deeply grateful for every speaker, volunteer, partner, and attendee who made it possible…and we can't wait to share more. Stay tuned!
Special thanks to our amazing sponsors who made this event possible: North Carolina DHHS DMHDDSUD, BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation, The Asian American Foundation, Triangle Community Foundation, Julian Grace Foundation, United Chinese Americans Community Foundation, Chinese American Friendship Association, Blue Sails Counseling and Consulting, HealthLit4Wake and Alliance Health.
Were you at the conference? We want to hear about it! Please take the time to fill out this brief evaluation survey by clicking on the button below.
| | Didn't make the conference? We've got you covered! | We'll be posting recordings of the various sessions on YouTube. Subscribe to stay in the loop! | | | | |
World Premiere of Silent War
One of the most eagerly awaited parts of the Roots & Resilience conference was the world premiere of Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health, and the event did not disappoint. For those following the project, you know this journey has been a labor of love for Director Changfu Chang and his team for going on half a decade now. But it seems all that time, effort and energy paid off as there wasn’t a dry eye left in the room when the credits rolled. Why? Because stories like these echo throughout our community–but they don’t get told.
The screening was preceded by a powerful keynote from Victor Armstrong, MSW, and closed with a moving panel including Director Chang, Justin Chen, MD, MPH, Pooja Mehta, MPH and David Scott Binnay. Seeing the emotional impact this session had on attendees, we can’t wait to witness how Silent War connects with larger audiences across the country upon its public release.
If you had a chance to see the film at the conference, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Click on the button below to fill out a brief survey.
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Dragon Boat Festival Fun
WAVES joined the fun at the annual Dragon Boat Festival, organized by Asian Focus, marking our first time participating in the races! Our volunteers promoted wellness through childhood games, meaningful conversations, and community outreach. We connected with many AAPI organizations and leaders, shared information about our conference, and invited participants to take part in the AAPI Health Priority Survey.
From setting up to practicing with the CAFA Racing Team, it was a day filled with teamwork, laughter, and authentic connection. Where would we be without such an amazing community?
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Silent War Makes Film Festival Debut
Last month, Silent War was screened at the Maryland Innovation Center as a part of the Columbia Maryland Film Festival. In attendance was Director Changfu Chang and the Chen family, who are featured in the film. One participant had this to say:
“The film was beautiful, moving, inspiring and the stories from the families will save lives and help so many people. I am honored to have been a part of this documentary. I look forward to this film being shown in more venues and in community settings. Hopefully we can find ways to ensure different communities have access to this and can also get the resources for mental health.”
Can’t think of a better way to kick off the film festival circuit than with a powerful moment like this. Here’s to amplifying voices, educating communities and spreading hope and light during Suicide Prevention Month.
Want to learn more? Visit silentwarmovie.com. Eager to see the trailer? Click on the button below!
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WAVES Awarded Strong Minds, Strong Communities Grant
We’re excited to announce that WAVES has been awarded a grant from UNC Greensboro’s Strong Minds, Strong Communities initiative for the 2025–2026 program year! This funding will allow us to train at least four Community Health Workers and strengthen our capacity to support AAPI youth and families across North Carolina.
We’re deeply grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to expand our impact in advancing community mental health.
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The Pre-Conference that Set the Stage for Roots & Resilience
On the eve of our conference, WAVES hosted a pre-conference roundtable, Empowering CBOs: Advancing AAPI Mental Health Together. This high-level strategic session brought together leaders from government, education, philanthropy, and community-based organizations to map assets, share insights, and identify actionable solutions to advance behavioral health for AAPI communities in North Carolina.
Guided by facilitators Perry Chan and Tenly Biggs, the discussion featured speakers including Pooja Mehta, James Miller, John Chen, Mary Shen, Denise Foreman, Victor Armstrong, and many others who highlighted opportunities for collaboration across systems. The session also welcomed contributions from Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings, Cristina España from the Governor’s Office, and Blue Cross NC Foundation Program Directors Sheila Reich and Kiydra Harris, who provided valuable insights during the Q&A alongside other advocates.
The afternoon concluded with an open dialogue, a group photo, and a shared dinner celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. The convening truly set the stage for Roots & Resilience to take flight!
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Making WAVES Up in the Windy City
WAVES was in the Windy City last month! Our Executive Director, Lily, delivered a keynote address at Chinese American Women in Action's (CAWA) Community Conference. She opened with the trailer for Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health, and shared insights from The Asian American Foundation's (TAAF) “Beyond the Surface” study.
The event was open to high school students, parents and community members, and was tailored to help participants find their voice, share their stories, connect with leaders and celebrate heritage. The day was filled with amazing speakers, like Nancy Chen, founder of CAWA, and Theresa Mah, who made history back in 2016 as the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly.
Lily described the event as "deeply empowering" and, from the looks of it, we couldn't agree more. Thank you to CAWA for welcoming WAVES, and our deepest appreciation to UCA Illinois, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community- CBCAC, Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and Naperville Bank & Trust for sponsoring this vital convening.
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WAVES Corner: Youth Bonding Off Camera and In-Person!
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our incredible young leaders and volunteers who brought energy, heart, and creativity to every part of the Roots & Resilience conference. From late-night planning sessions to early-morning setups, they showed what collaboration and passion can do.
Beyond the event itself, our youth team came together for team-building and reflection—sparking new ideas, deepening connections, and setting the stage for the next chapter of WAVES. Their chemistry, dedication, and vision remind us that the future of AAPI mental health advocacy is in powerful hands. Here's to the next generation!
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Get MHFA Trained This October!
Mark your calendar! Our 13th Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training session will be held on Saturday, October 25th. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Interested in learning more or looking to register? Click on the button. below. Thank you to SAMHSA and MHACC for making these invaluable trainings possible!
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View more of our events and programs,
please visit UCA WAVES Calendar↓
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