Meaning "eye-measure", nunchi refers to the subtle Korean art of reading a room and a traditional cultural concept of social intelligence.
For too many young people, reading the room is a survival skill. We’re creating spaces where they can be themselves and belong.
Nunchi
[noon-chee]
눈치 • Korean
Meaning "eye-measure", nunchi refers to the subtle Korean art of reading a room and a traditional cultural concept of social intelligence.
For too many young people, reading the room is a survival skill. We’re creating spaces where they can be themselves and belong.
Our Story
Belonging begins with being understood.
Nunchi Health began in 2022 to create spaces where young people, especially those from immigrant, first-generation, and cultural minority communities, could share their experiences, find connection, and feel valued for who they are.
Our first Nunchi Fellowship launched in 2023, bringing young people together to explore mental health, share their stories, and learn to support one another.
Through guided conversations grounded in culture and lived experience, participants built relationships and developed skills to bring support back to their communities.
Since then, fellows have returned as workshop facilitators, campus chapter presidents, and team leaders, helping shape Nunchi for the young people who come after them. That cycle of finding support and learning to offer it continues to guide our growth.
Through free programs, we are building a community where young people find belonging, and help others find it too.
Meet Our Founder
I’m Dr. Andrew Chang, a Harvard-trained physician and the cofounder and CEO of Nunchi Health.
I moved to the United States alone at 13, and my experiences as an immigrant shaped my belief that every young person deserves a community where they feel seen, understood, and valued.
As a psychiatrist, I witness this problem firsthand. Too many young people navigate isolation, cultural expectations, and discrimination without support that understands their experiences. I cofounded Nunchi to help build that support alongside young people themselves, especially those from immigrant and historically marginalized communities.
Through free, peer-led, identity-affirming programs, we create opportunities to share stories, build relationships, and support one another.
My hope is that every young person who finds Nunchi feels:
“I belong here, and I don’t have to navigate this alone.”
Nunchi’s History
Nunchi Health is born
Founded by Andrew Chang and Manasvini Tanikella — an idea to reimagine mental health through culture, community, and connection.
First Fellowship Curriculum
The first Nunchi Fellowship curriculum is completed, creating a foundation for youth-led mental health care.
First Nunchi Fellowship
The first Nunchi Fellowship cohort launches, training young leaders to facilitate peer-led mental health programs.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Nunchi Health officially incorporates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, scaling its mission globally.
Fourth Cohort
Nunchi Health's fourth cohort begins, marking 2x growth in participation every cycle since launch.
First Nunchi Conference
Nunchi Health hosts the first conference, bringing together global youth mental health advocates.
Nunchi Cohort Growth
Nunchi Health’s waitlist doubles every cohort, underscoring growing demand for its peer-led programs.
Nunchi Growth Milestone
Nunchi Health reaches 1,000+ youth across 36 countries and expands to 100+ global volunteers, delivering measurable impact and a growing global community.
Sixth Nunchi Conference
Nunchi Health hosts its sixth conference with record-breaking registration and attendance.
Awards & Recognitions
We’re sincerely grateful for the strong support of partners and organizations who share our commitment to advancing mental health for immigrant and minority youth.
With deep appreciation, we recognize The Tow Foundation for their exceptional multi-year commitment (2026-2028) to culturally-affirming mental health support and youth healing and resilience.
With deep appreciation, we recognize
The Tow Foundation for their exceptional multi-year commitment (2026-2028) to culturally-affirming mental health support and youth healing and resilience.
With the generosity of our incredible donors, together we’ve raised ~$1M for creating a world where everyone belongs.
Meet the people building belonging
With many staff being returning graduates of our programs, Nunchi Health is authentically shaped by the voices of the same communities it aims to serve.
Andrew Chang
Co-founder, CEO
Manasvini Tanikella
Co-founder, CPO
Luis Felipe Checa Calderon
Operations Manager
Sujanaa Srinivasa Raghavan
Head of Marketing
Erika Minoshima
Head of Outreach
Roja Yousuf
Head of Fellowship
Summer Lin
Head of Marketing
Diana Chen Feng
Head of Outreach
Looking for ways to make a difference?
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Your partnership empowers youth to lead mental wellness in their communities.
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Support a student
Connect a student from an immigrant, minority, or FGLI background with free support.
Refer a student
Volunteer Opportunities
Be a part of this movement and create change today.
View opportunitiesDisclaimer
Nunchi Health is a peer-led community program, not a clinical service.
Nunchi Health is a peer support program — not therapy, treatment, or a crisis service. In an emergency, call or text 988 (US) or your local emergency number. See our full disclaimer.