Our Stories

"All we simply want to do is just make others feel better about themselves" - Michael OuYang

Built By Students, For All of Us

No Empty Seats was born from personal struggles with loneliness and mental health — and the belief that connection and community are the strongest tools that we have.

HOW WE STARTED

There was a gap, and we couldn't ignore it.

College is supposed to be the best years of your life. But for so many students, it's the loneliest. There's an unspoken pressure that everyone else has it figured out — and even when mental health resources exist, they feel disconnected from what students actually need.

Michael and Ellison both experienced this firsthand. They knew the resources were there. But what was missing wasn't a hotline or a counseling center — it was community. Someone to sit with. Someone to talk to. People checking in on each other. A seat that wasn't empty.

So they built one.

MEET OUR NATIONAL TEAM

Our Family, Behind the Mission

Michael OuYang: Co-Founder, Executive Director
I started publicly sharing my experiences and lessons about mental health on a blog in December of 2021. It ultimately made me aware of the unspoken prevalence of depression and anxiety, and the massive weight off my shoulders when I asked for help. I've shared thousands of conversations with my peers, always learning that I don't need to go through anything alone.

Over the past 5 years, No Empty Seats has grown from an individual blog, to a couple of freshman year friends doing wholesome stunts on campus, to a Brown University 24 person class, to a national nonprofit with 10+ chapters. However the goal has always stayed the same: to spark conversations about mental health, spread joy during times of need, and destigmatize depression and anxiety while bringing people together.

I am so proud of the work the No Empty Seats community has accomplished and am so excited to see what new chapters and outreach are ahead of us!
Ellison Mucharsky: Co-Founder, Executive Director
During my freshman year at Brown University, a survey revealed that 50% of first-year students were not familiar with any mental health services offered on campus. I knew what it felt like to struggle in silence and this time, I knew I could do something about it. I launched a campaign that educated thousands of students about mental health resources on campus. A year later, while co-planning an event, I met Mikey. We realized that by merging our organizations, we could create a far greater impact than either of us alone. Three months later, No Empty Seats National was born.

No Empty Seats was built by students who once felt lost, and didn't know where to turn to. We understand the power of making spaces where everyone has someone. I'm here today because of the people who surrounded me and showed up with a hug when I needed it most.

My community saved me. Now, I want to give that same gift to everyone else.