Nunchi Health Conference
Join us April 4th, 2026
Nunchi Conferences are a series of workshops and activities by and for youth of immigrant origin, this year Nunchi Health is delighted to welcome you to our Spring 2026 event. We encourage students, activists, and professionals interested in mental health to attend.
What is it?
The Nunchi Conference is a virtual mental health conference catered towards communities of immigrant origin. In the past, our Conference has featured mental health advocacy workshops, professional mentorship, and our signature Nunchi Lightning Talks event. This conference is open to all high school students, university students, and young professionals interested in mental health.
Why Attend?
Gain invaluable mentorship from mental health professionals and leaders via interactive workshops.
Engage in discourse with the Nunchi community around resources, advocacy, and leadership opportunities for immigrant youth within mental health.
Deliver convincing stories or develop innovative solutions at our hallmark event, Nunchi Lightning Talks!
Network with bright-minded, motivated students from across the country!
Earn a gift card for your full participation in the Conference.
Who?
Students, parents, professionals, or anyone interested in mental health.
Note: Individuals representing the same organization must register independently.
Where?
Zoom, join from anywhere!
When?
April 4th, 2026
(2:00 PM - 6:40 PM EST/11:00 AM - 3:40 PM PST)
Conference countdown!
Conference countdown more.
Ready to begin? Fill out the application and let’s chat.
Got a question we didn’t cover?
[Email us at nunchihealth@gmail.com]
Meet the Panelists
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Omar Reda, MD
Psychiatrist, Author & Trauma Expert; Founder and Director @ Healing Trauma Institute
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Sarah Jakle, MSW, MPP
Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe
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Andrew Chang, MD
Founder and CEO @ Nunchi Health
Conference Schedule
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM EST (11:00 AM - 11:10 AM PST): Opening Ceremony
Kick off the Nunchi Conference with a warm welcome and an overview of the day’s events. Celebrate the spirit of community and mental health advocacy as we embark on this journey together.
2:10 PM - 2:20 PM EST (11:10 AM - 11:20 AM PST): Icebreaker Game
Get to know your fellow attendees with a fun, engaging icebreaker game designed to spark connections and set the tone for the conference.
2:20 PM - 3:20 PM EST (11:20 AM - 12:20 PM PST): Keynote Panel & Networking Session
Hear from expert speakers as they share their unique insights on leadership and community-building for mental health equity.
3:20 PM - 3:40 PM EST (12:20 PM - 12:40 PM PST): Breakout Sessions
Participate in one of three interactive discussion groups that delve into the conference's theme of our lived experiences and identities. Examine ways to foster diverse, inclusive communities through global connections and shared values.
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM EST (12:40 PM - 1:00 PM PST) 20-minute: Break & Word Cloud Activity
Stick around for an exciting activity to have fun and connect with fellow attendees.
4:00 PM - 5:05 PM EST (1:00 PM - 2:05 PM PST) Workshop - Community-Centered Tools for Mindfulness and Healing
Attend one of the simultaneous workshops led by trained Nunchi Facilitators. This session will focus on practical tools for mental wellness, techniques for effective story-sharing, and fostering a space for community healing.
5:05 PM - 5:07 PM EST (2:05 PM - 2:07 PM PST): Mini Bio Break
5:07 PM - 6:07 PM EST (2:07 PM - 3:07 PM PST): Nunchi Lightning Talks
As the centerpiece of the Nunchi Conference, this participant-driven presentation series features incredible stories and innovative work in mental health. Compete for a monetary prize and share your mental health journey or research. Audience members will cast their vote to select the winners through a voting form.
6:07 PM - 6:40 PM EST (3:07 PM - 3:40 PM PST): Closing Ceremony and Lightning Talks Awards
Wrap up the day with a heartfelt closing ceremony, where we’ll reflect on the conference’s highlights and announce the winners of the Nunchi Lightning Talks.
Nunchi Lightning Talks
The Nunchi Lightning Talks is our hallmark event for the Nunchi Conference. This is a participant-driven presentation series with a monetary prize pool. This is an amazing opportunity to present your individual journey in mental health or the innovative mental health work that you do.
Who: All students, mental health professionals, or community health organization representatives are welcome to sign up.
What: Individuals deliver a 7-minute talk on a mental health topic or their mental health work. Presenters and attendees will be placed in one of three tracks:
Mental Health Literacy in the Community
Family and Generational Beliefs
The Two S’s: Science and Stigma
Why: Presenters voted as the best presentation will be recognized during our awards ceremony and receive an award.
Conference Tracks
Track #1: Mental Health Literacy in the Community
Explore methods in which education can improve mental health literacy in various settings, whether that be in personal or professional spaces. Discuss how culture can influence the receptiveness of mental health conversations in the community.
Track #2: Family and Generational Beliefs
Explore how family traditions, expectations, and generational trauma shape attitudes toward mental health. Discuss the difference between Gen Z and their parents when talking about therapy. Reflect on how impactful immigration, language, and identity are on emotions. Share what parents and grandparents taught us about emotions.
Track #3: The Two S’s: Science and Stigma
Explore how the science of mental health clashes with cultural beliefs. Explain how cultural interpretations like karma or possession overlap with psychological explanations. Discuss the gap between cultural healing practices and propose plans of action.
FAQs
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No. There is no registration fee! Participation is entirely free.
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Nunchi Lightning Talks are an opportunity to share a 7-minute talk on a mental health-related story or topic. Speakers and attendees will be placed in one of three tracks based on indicated interest in the registration form linked above.
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To indicate interest in doing a presentation, please fill out the registration form. Submissions after the listed deadline will not be able to participate.
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Yes. However, each representative from the same organization must register independently.
Can’t wait? Take a look at last year’s Nunchi Conference
And take a look at what people are saying:
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"...[T]here is a list of positive things I can say about myself that I don't pay attention to on a daily basis.
During our breakout session we did the game where each of us is timed, and had to start off by saying “I am” and then finishing the sentence describing us until the time ran out."
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"I have learned that I have become more braver to share vulnerable stories that others are able to connect with."
— Fall 2025 Conference Participants
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"It is always a great reminder to hear that you can not pour from an empty cup.
As I embark a new chapter in my life with grad school, it came at a perfect time. I was also in a breakout room where we talked about the things we can do to keep ourselves going."
Sponsor the Spring 2026 Nunchi Conference
Contribute to mental health talks world wide by supporting this year’s Nunchi conference where students, activists and various professionals will be in attendance