Iris Liu (she/her) is a second-generation Chinese-American from Atlanta, Georgia. She is a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in History, Technology, and Society with a minor in Social Justice. She aims to pursue a career in Human Rights.

She has been passionate about raising mental health awareness in the AANHPI community since 2023. As someone with lived experience, she wants to ensure other AANHPI community members do not feel alone in their mental health journeys. Growing up in a large Chinese diaspora, she has close ties to her heritage. However, her mental health was also impacted by the comparison culture and academic pressures that circulate the community. Since joining Thriving Asians, she has been learning how to navigate Asian spaces in a healthy manner.

Iris joined Thriving Asians in 2024 as a high school Youth Mental Health Ambassador. She developed a photojournalism project titled “I Struggle Too” showcasing portraits of AANHPI community members accompanied by stories of their mental health experiences. As part of Senior Capstone Day at The Walker School, Iris delivered a presentation on AANHPI Mental Health to the general school community, accompanied by a gallery walk of the “I Struggle Too” project.

Iris continues to grow her leadership as a college student at Thriving Asians. As the Youth Network Coordinator, Iris organizes the Youth Mental Health Leadership global community of students, alumni, and mentors. As a Youth Programming Mentor, Iris guides new high school students through their projects and personal growth journeys. At the Jaisohn Center AAPI Youth & Family Mental Wellness Forum, she co-facilitated the “Youth Mental Health Leadership Workshop” for Pennsylvania teens and young adults.

Iris is excited to continue her work in mental health advocacy. She is active in NAAPIMHA spaces, and serves on the NAAPIEN Steering Committee.