Jr. Board

 

Jr. Board of Directors

Aya Okimoto

Jr. Board Chair, Punahou Student

Aloha, my name is Aya Okimoto! I am a sophomore at Punahou School and the proud Jr. Board Chair of Mālama o Nā Keiki. I have known Aunty Leilani since I was 5 years old, and have learned so much from her since. She has always been so supportive of me and introduced me to her organization in 2016. When I heard about all of the incredible things she does and the support she provides for the high-risk babies of Hawaii, an idea struck me: why not create a Mālama o Nā Keiki Jr. Board? This initiative would empower students, who are interested, to innovate and provide vital support to high-risk babies and caregivers as well. As a NICU baby myself 15 years ago, I deeply appreciate the compassionate care I received. Hearing my parents recount those moments fueled my gratitude toward the medical professionals who dedicate themselves to Hawaii's keiki. Now, as Jr. Board Chair, I am honored to lead our amazing team. Together, we're committed to formulating unique solutions and organizing meaningful events to care for high-risk and NICU babies. Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Aunty Leilani and the Mālama o Nā Keiki Board for all their support in helping me turn my Jr. Board dream into reality.

Asher Yamane(Vice Chair)
Lily Nomura(Art Director)
Ken Asakura(Event Director)
Megan Ing(Event Director)
Ethan Loo(Writing/Editing Director)
Lauren Nobriga(Writing/Editing Director)
Lauren Chen(Membership Director)
Joy Matsuda(IT/Marketing Director)
[From left: Ethan Loo, Asher Yamane, Ken Asakura, Aya Okimoto, Megan ing, Lauren Nobriga, Lily Nomura *Missing from image: Lauren Chen & Joy Matsuda]

Member's Testimonials

Working With Kids & Kupuna

I want to become a member of Mālama o Nā Keiki because I love to work with kids and kupuna. I enjoy the fun/joyful attitude of kids and the positive/caring attitude of kupuna so I think this would be a great opportunity for me to be able to work/care/learn from them.

Kaylen Nakamoto ‘27

Wanting To Work In Healthcare

I want to become a member of Mālama o Nā Keiki because I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare, and I care deeply for the well being of the community around me.

Mallory Watanabe ‘26

Giving Back

I want to become a member of Mālama o Nā Keiki because I would like to give back to and help our communities. I also want to take this opportunity presented to me to learn more about problems in our community and work towards solving them.

Maddie Uyeda ‘27

Helping Out In My Community

I am passionate to help out in my community and I want to help this issue of caring for the health of elderly and children. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity that I can learn a lot of new skills from!

Mia Taheri ‘27

We Are All One

We are all a family. No matter age or gender we are all one. I would like to give back the grace and joy I got from my kupuna and keiki and help out in my community because I want to make a better community where I live.

Lydia Son ‘27

Giving Back To The Community

I want to join Mālama o Nā Keiki because I think it would be a great way to give back to the community, and I want to be able to do something positive for everyone! Also, it seems like a lot of fun!

Minh Chau Nguyen ‘28

Helping Families & People In Need

I want to become a member of Mālama o Nā Keiki because of the organization's purpose. Helping families and people in need is a true passion of mine that will ultimately allow me to grow as a person.

Arianna Policarpio ‘26

Taking Care of Babies

I want to become a member of Malama O Na Keiki because I want to contribute to the organization's goal to take care of babies. I want to experience communicating, sharing ideas, and connecting with the babies, which will forever have a positive impact on the community and myself.

Katie Wu ‘27

Wishmakers

Student lead and high school volunteers coordinating all social media, assisting with events and advocacy.