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.

Man in a black suit speaking into a microphone onstage in front of a purple presentation screen.

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.

Group photo of seven people posing beside a screen displaying “Bunchi Health,” with two people holding open pastry boxes.

Through free programs, we are building a community where young people find belonging, and help others find it too.

Meet Our Founder

Portrait of a smiling man in a white T-shirt indoors with blurred lights in the background

Dr. Andrew Chang (he/they)

@andrewchang_md

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.

Officially becoming a 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.

...And more to come!

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.

"Harvard Culture Lab" logo featuring a rainbow starburst
"Harvard Culture Lab" logo featuring a rainbow starburst

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.

The Tow Foundation logo with an abstract multicolored geometric symbol above blue and orange text.
The Tow Foundation logo with an abstract multicolored geometric symbol above blue and orange text.

With the generosity of our incredible donors, together we’ve raised ~$1M for creating a world where everyone belongs.

Professional headshot of a smiling young Asian man in a dark suit and tie

Meet the people building belonging

Portrait of a man in a navy suit and white shirt against a dark background
Smiling woman wearing a black hijab and outfit outdoors near a historic brick building

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.

Portrait of a smiling young woman with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a cream-colored top

Andrew Chang
Co-founder, CEO

Manasvini Tanikella
Co-founder, CPO

Portrait of a smiling young woman with long wavy brown hair wearing a black top and necklace
Portrait of a smiling man in a navy suit and white shirt against a blurred green background

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

Smiling woman with long black hair wearing a black blazer, blue blouse, and pendant necklace against a gray background
Smiling woman with long black hair and pearl drop earrings outdoors
Smiling woman in a pink polka-dot blouse standing in an arched historic corridor
Smiling woman with long braided hair wearing a white top and necklace
Meet the team
Smiling young man in a pink shirt posing outdoors in a sunny garden
Smiling woman wearing a dusty rose hijab and pink knit sweater outdoors
Smiling woman in a magenta vest and white top standing outdoors
Professional headshot of a smiling man wearing glasses, a black blazer, and a white shirt
Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a white ruffled top outdoors by a pond
Portrait of a smiling young Black man with curly hair wearing a suit against a purple background

Looking for ways to make a difference?

Nunchi Health's founder, Andrew Chang, speaking at a public conference event about the importance of mental health.

Partner with us

Your partnership empowers youth to lead mental wellness in their communities.

Become a partner
Members of the Nunchi Health Tottenvile chapter as they unveil the first ever meeting for the high school!

Support a student

Connect a student from an immigrant, minority, or FGLI background with free support.

Refer a student
The Nunchi Health team holding out their hands in hearts while on a ZOOM call!

Volunteer Opportunities

Be a part of this movement and create change today.

View opportunities

Disclaimer

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.