Honoring the Legacy: Amanda Leonard and the Missing Child Center – Hawai‘i
Quick Facts
Honoring the Legacy: Amanda Leonard and the Missing Child Center – Hawai‘i
Amanda Leonard, the dedicated coordinator of the Missing Child Center – Hawai’i, is a champion for missing children in Hawai’i. Her remarkable journey to this role is a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and empowering communities to make a difference.
A Passion Born from Personal Experience
Amanda’s path to helping missing children began with her own childhood trauma. As a child, she navigated the difficulties of her parents’ divorce, and it was the compassionate support she received from child protection professionals that ignited a passion within her to make a positive impact. “I just had the highest respect for them and appreciation, and I knew that was going to be my calling, to take that experience and do something good with it,” she reflects.
From Volunteer to Leader
Fast forward to Amanda’s early twenties, when she started volunteering at the state Judiciary’s O’ahu Children’s Justice Center. Her dedication and compassion earned her a full-time position at the center, which ultimately paved the way for her enrollment in the Richardson School of Law. Here, she honed her skills as a family law attorney, a crucial stepping stone to her current role as coordinator of the Missing Child Center – Hawai’i.
The Birth of Maile Amber Alert in Hawai’i
In 2005, Hawai’i joined the national Amber Alert network, becoming the 50th state to launch its own program. The Maile Amber Alert system is named in honor of Maile Gilbert, a young girl abducted from her Kailua home and tragically murdered in 1985, and Amber Hagerman, a child whose abduction in Texas inspired the national program.
The first Maile Amber Alert in Hawai’i was issued in 2005, targeting a mother who had left her 4-month-old baby in a truck, which was stolen and abandoned. A quick-thinking citizen with a pager received the alert and rushed to the scene, finding the baby unharmed. This striking example of community collaboration has since been replicated three times, with each instance resulting in the safe recovery of a child.
The Evolution of Maile Amber Alert
A Champion of Children and Communities
As administrator of the state’s Child Welfare Services Branch, Elladine Olevao has witnessed Amanda’s dedication and excellence in working with at-risk children. Olevao praises Amanda’s ability to connect with teenagers, saying, “Amanda is excellent with the kids. She meets them where they’re at.”
Operation Shine: A Success Story
Last July, a multi-agency effort known as Operation Shine led to the safe recovery of 11 individuals aged 15-19. Amanda’s tireless efforts, in collaboration with her team and law enforcement agencies, demonstrate her commitment to protecting children and empowering communities to make a difference.
Leadership and Legacy
As we highlight Amanda Leonard’s remarkable journey, it’s clear that her impact extends far beyond her role at the Missing Child Center – Hawai’i. Her dedication to the well-being of children and her ability to mobilize communities to take action serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
What’s Next?
As we continue to celebrate Hawai’i’s most inspiring individuals, we’re excited to see what the future holds for Amanda Leonard and the Missing Child Center – Hawai’i. With her unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and empowering communities, Amanda is undoubtedly a shining example of what it means to be part of the Next 20.
