About Us
Purpose
To give every baby the opportunity to live their full life potential.Vision
To be globally recognized as the premier organization promoting the highest quality care for neonates.Mission
To provide support for babies and their families by elevating neonatal nursing care through education, research, and best practices.Leilani Kahoʻāno
Founder
Caring for Hawai‘i Neonates, translated in Hawaiian as "Mālama on Nā Keiki," was created by Leilani Kahoʻāno, our founder and visionary who is dedicated to the development of all neonatal nurses, as well as connecting to the local community. Hawaiian culture is deeply integrated into the organization as her lifestyle permeates through everything she does. She has the ability to overcome difficult circumstances with grace, patience, understanding and deep wisdom.
The organization is devoted to Caregivers and First Responders of high risk babies. Coming from California, Leilani saw unmet needs for Hawai‘i's neonatal nurses and advocated for NICU nurses to give them a voice, enhance their professional development, and to empower nursing care leading to positive outcomes for healthier babies.
Leilani says our "mana," our spiritual energy and strength, is important. How we speak to babies is also critical. This unique combination of cultural and professional skills is being recognized and has lead to pioneering efforts in early childhood health, education and advocacy.
