This spring, a Waiʻanae mother and daughter are celebrating more than just graduation—they are marking a shared journey of perseverance, sacrifice and a deep commitment to serving their community through healthcare.
Haylie-Marie Domingo-Kealoha, born and raised in Waiʻanae, will earn her associates arts degree from Leeward Community College, completing coursework across multiple University of Â鶹´«Ã½ campuses (Kapiʻolani CC, Honolulu CC, UH West Oʻahu, and Leeward CC) while working to support herself.
Graduating alongside her is her mother, Danielle Kealoha, who is also earning her associate arts degree in liberal arts after returning to school years after stepping away to raise her family.
Two paths, one commitment to healthcare
For Haylie-Marie, the path to college was not always clear. After high school, she entered the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA) medical assistant program through the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC), an experience that helped her discover her passion for healthcare.
Determined not to burden her parents financially, she balanced work and school, carefully arranging her schedule to pay her own way. A personal medical emergency further solidified her goal: becoming a registered nurse.
Danielle¡¯²õ journey began years earlier at WCCHC¡¯²õ Waiʻanae Health Academy but was paused due to the challenges of raising children while working full-time.
Returning to school at Leeward CC proved to be the right decision, offering flexible asynchronous courses that allowed her to balance work, family and education. Now working as a dialysis technician at US Renal Care in Waiʻanae, she has found purpose in patient care and hopes to advance in nephrology nursing.
Built-in support system
Experiencing college together has been one of the most meaningful aspects of their journey.
“My mom has been there for me since the very beginning,” Haylie-Marie said. “Knowing she¡¯²õ going through the same classes makes it easier when I get stuck—she¡¯²õ always there to help.”
Danielle echoed that sentiment, adding that watching her daughter grow into the healthcare field has been deeply rewarding. “She has exceeded every expectation,” she said. “I always believed she would make an amazing nurse.”
Support from Leeward CC
Both credit Leeward CC for playing a critical role in their success, where advisors and staff helped guide them through course selection and degree planning, ensuring they stayed on track despite busy schedules. Danielle specifically highlighted the support of advisor Leilani Yanagi, whose encouragement and guidance helped both mother and daughter navigate their academic paths with confidence.
“He ʻ¨±±ô±ð¾± kolo”—an expression for a tough person—is how Yanagi describes Danielle and Haylie-Marie. “They each took different paths to earn their AA, and it will be a joyful moment to watch them cross the stage on May 15.”
Both now work in dialysis care, strengthening their passion for helping others and reinforcing their commitment to healthcare in their community.
Looking ahead
After graduation, Haylie-Marie will begin the UH Hilo nursing program through the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center cohort this August. Danielle plans to continue her education toward a bachelor¡¯²õ degree in nursing, with the long-term goal of specializing in nephrology.
Together, their story is one of resilience, family, and community—a testament to the power of support systems both at home and at Leeward Community College.