Keiki Talks are Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network’s premier forum for community leaders to learn about issues affecting our keiki. Sign up below to learn about future Keiki Talks and other HCAN events!

Past Keiki Talks

Helping Your Kids Heal From Racism
August 3, 2021

Even from a young age, children are aware of race and racism. How do we help them build a strong foundation and help them navigate these challenges? Kū Kahakalau, Ph.D (Kū-A-Kanaka LLC) and Elisapeta Alaimaleata (Le Fetuao Samoan Language Center) spoke about their own experiences and offer their ideas for parents, educators, and community members to support our keiki and help them heal from racism.

The Pandemic and Young Minds
June 22, 2021

Dr. Jamie Hanson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, will speak about how COVID-19 has affected young children’s mental health and social-emotional development, and how we can best support them. An expert on brain development and early life stress, Dr. Hanson will share some of his latest research and discuss what parents, advocates, and policymakers can do for young kids after a year of upheaval.

Ending Racism, Starting With Kids
March 9, 2021

Children, even the youngest ones, are skilled at picking up the stereotypes and biases that surround them. At this Keiki Talk, you'll learn about the latest research into how kids develop racial and ethnic biases.

The presenter, Kristin Pauker, Ph.D., will also discuss the differences and similarities between children in Hawaiʻi and on the continental U.S. She'll also share the research on creating inclusive environments that stop perpetuating these biases and stereotypes, with approaches not just on the individual level, but also on the systemic, policy level. We can create an antiracist Hawaiʻi—and it begins with our keiki.

ACEs & Resiliency
December 12, 2019

Join us to continue the conversation on ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and resiliency. Learn about Hawaii’s efforts around Trauma-Informed Care, ACEs, and Resiliency, and find out what others are doing to move the state forward.

This Keiki Talk with feature several cohort presenters and an exciting conversation with Sarah Enos Watamura, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Director of the Child Health & Development Laboratory, and Co-Director of the Stress, Early Experience and Development (SEED) Research Center at University of Denver.

When Stress Becomes Toxic
August 7, 2019

2 in 5 children in Hawaiʻi have been exposed to traumatic experiences. This childhood trauma can have lifelong consequences. Our students and employees are already facing these today. Join us to learn about how toxic stress is affecting Hawaiʻi’s workforce and communities — and, as community leaders, how we can prevent this from happening in the first place.

Featuring Sarah Enos Watamura, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Director of the Child Health & Development Laboratory, and Co-Director of the Stress, Early Experience and Development (SEED) Research Center at University of Denver.

Latest Trends in Early Childhood
October 25, 2017

Featuring Ruby Takanishi, PhD, Early and Elementary Education and Policy, New America; Bette Hyde, PhD, Former Director, Washington State Department of Early Learning; and Lauren Moriguchi, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi State Executive Office on Early Learning.

The Facts on Paid Family Leave
October 4, 2016

Wendy Chun-Hoon is a national expert on paid family leave and will explain national efforts to expand these programs. She is the Washington DC Director for Family Values @ Work, born and raised in Hawaiʻi, and the former Associate Director for the Special Fund for Poverty Alleviation.

Investing in Children Birth to Age 5
September 27 and 28, 2016

Ross Hunter explains how Washington State is pioneering childhood investments to create economic growth. Ross Hunter is the Director of WA State Dept of Early Learning, a former Washington State Representative, and former Microsoft Executive.