The NICUnity Podcast

Keira Sorrells
  • 5.0 (2)
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Welcome to the NICUnity Podcast. The go-to show for leaders supporting NICU and bereaved families. Join Keira Sorrells, NICU mom and founder of the NICU Parent Network, as she talks on real stories, practical tools and expert advice to help you lead with purpose and impact. This is NICUnity, where parent leaders grow together. New episodes every week.

  1. Season 2 Trailer

    SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Season 2 Trailer

    Welcome to season 2 of the NICUnity Podcast.

    29 min
  2. From Rollercoasters to Carousels Navigating Common NICU Emotions

    1D AGO

    From Rollercoasters to Carousels Navigating Common NICU Emotions

    In this episode, we sit down with Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, a NICU, bereaved, and special needs mother. Together, we unpack the intense emotional ride many NICU, bereaved, and special needs parents experience and imagine a gentler kind of journey. Gigi reminds us that you are not alone and you can choose the carousel – one emotion, one breath, one step at a time. Time Stamps 00.00 Introduction to NICU Parental Mental Health 02:54 The Journey of Healing After Trauma 06:35 Personal Experiences with NICU and Loss 14:50 Searching for Healing and Understanding 19:10 A Metaphor for Healing 23:28 Blending Personal and Professional Experiences 30:18 The Importance of Individual Healing Journeys List of resources, suggested materials and social media handles: Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez NICU Parent Network (NPN)

    37 min
  3. From Rollercoasters to Carousels Navigating Common NICU Emotions Part 2

    1D AGO

    From Rollercoasters to Carousels Navigating Common NICU Emotions Part 2

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, a NICU, bereaved, and special needs mother. Together, we unpack the intense emotional ride many NICU, bereaved, and special needs parents experience and imagine a gentler kind of journey. Gigi reminds us that you are not alone and you can choose the carousel – one emotion, one breath, one step at a time. Time Stamps 00.00 Introduction 01:07 The Power of Sharing Trauma 04:01 Using Resources for Healing 10:12 Understanding the Layers of Trauma 12:16 The Importance of Reflection 15:53 Strength in Vulnerability 20:10 Creating Your Own Healing Path List of resources, suggested materials and social media handles: Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez NICU Parent Network (NPN)

    23 min
  4. Part 2: Power, Purpose, and the Push for Equity in the Nonprofit Space

    12/18/2025

    Part 2: Power, Purpose, and the Push for Equity in the Nonprofit Space

    In Part 2, we continue our discussion with Vicki Clark of Clark & Sanchez Consulting where we explore what it takes to fund and sustain work that supports NICU families in underinvested communities. We discuss funding decisions, equity and justice in nonprofit work, and staying grounded in an organization's mission. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (03:14) The Power of Storytelling in Nonprofits (06:08) Elevating Silenced Voices (08:59) Equity vs. Equality in Philanthropy (11:55) The Importance of Community Involvement (15:12) Reimagining Support Systems for NICU Families (18:06) Building an Equitable Funding Ecosystem (21:02) Conclusion Visit the Organizations Discussed Today: Let's Talk About It: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Letstalkaboutitanddosomethingaboutit Clark & Sanches Consulting: https://bit.ly/3JNDZoa

    25 min
  5. Part 1: Power, Purpose, and the Push for Equity in the Nonprofit Space

    12/16/2025

    Part 1: Power, Purpose, and the Push for Equity in the Nonprofit Space

    We sit down with Vicki Clark of Clark & Sanchez Consulting to explore what it really takes to fund and sustain work that supports NICU families in underinvested communities. We discuss funding decisions, equity and justice in nonprofit work, and staying grounded in an organization's mission. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:56) Vicki Clark’s Journey and Personal Connection to NICU Issues (05:46) The Birth of “Let’s Talk About It” Initiative (09:03) Creative Safe Spaces for Open Conversations (11:57) Understanding Structural Barriers in Nonprofit Leadership (14:48) Shifting from Charity to Justice Mentality (18:13) The Importance of Measuring Impact Beyond Numbers (21:05) Engaging Diverse Generations in Philanthropy (23:59) The Value Proposition in Nonprofit Work (26:54) Connecting Stories to Broader Community Impact (30:09) Conclusion Visit the Organizations Discussed Today: Let's Talk About It: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Letstalkaboutitanddosomethingaboutit Clark & Sanches Consulting: https://bit.ly/3JNDZoa

    31 min
  6. Funding Parent-Led Progress: What National Organizations Need Most

    12/11/2025

    Funding Parent-Led Progress: What National Organizations Need Most

    Today we explore what it takes to fund and sustain national parent-led organizations. We’ll hear from Jennifer Canvasser, who founded the NEC Society, and Betsy Pilon, Executive Director of Hope for HIE. Together we will discuss how collaboration, authenticity and purpose-driven research can transform a personal experience into change and why funding these organizations matter. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:53) - Personal Stories of NICU Experiences (06:00) - Understanding NEC and HIE (08:53) - The Impact of NEC and HIE on Families (12:02) - Building Supportive Organizations (15:11) - Funding and Sustainability Challenges (17:56) - Engaging Local Communities for Support (20:50) - The Importance of Relationships in Funding (00:00) - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for New Organizations (45:44) - Conclusion Visit the Organizations Discussed Today: Hope for HIE: hopeforhie.org NEC Society: necsociety.org

    47 min
  7. Partnering with Industry: Aligning Purpose and Partnership

    12/04/2025

    Partnering with Industry: Aligning Purpose and Partnership

    In this episode we dive into what happens when parent-led NICU organizations and industry leaders stop working in silos and start building real partnerships. With Michael Petrucelli, the Senior Director of Advocacy at Prolacta Bioscience, we discuss how to make advocacy efforts go further and faster. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:56) The Role of Advocacy in NICU Support (05:47) Building Effective Partnerships (08:57) The Importance of Communication and Trust (11:50) The Power of Parent Voices (15:07) Identifying Strategic Partners (18:01) Challenges in Collaboration (20:53) Engaging with the Industry for New Organization (24:08) Conclusion Visit the Organizations Discussed Today: Prolacta Bioscience: prolacta.com

    29 min
  8. BONUS! Introducing Neopedia: A Global Parent Education Resource

    11/20/2025

    BONUS! Introducing Neopedia: A Global Parent Education Resource

    Today’s episode is a celebration of the impact that parent organizations from around the world can have when they work towards a collective goal. We’ll be discussing Neopedia, a multilingual information platform designed to support families and caregivers of babies born preterm or sick. My guests today are two leaders, Denise Suguitani and Bianka Gallina, who are leaders in this global community. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:52) The Launch of Neopedia: A Global Initiative (06:06) Denise’s Experience: From NICU Experience to Advocacy (08:56) Understanding Brazil’s Healthcare Landscape (12:12) The Evolution of GFCNI: A Global Perspective (15:00) Exploring Neopedia: Features and Benefits (17:51) The Importance of Health Literacy in NICU Care (21:13) Cultural Sensitivity in Global Health Initiatives (24:07) The Role of Parent Organizations in NICU Support (26:53) Future Plans for Neopedia and Global Outreach (30:08) Conclusion Visit the Organizations Discussed Today: Neopedia: http://neopedia.org/ GFCNI: http://gfcni.org/ Prematuridade.com: http://prematuridade.com/

    37 min
  9. Leadership Lounge: Unlocking Financial Resources for Families

    11/13/2025

    Leadership Lounge: Unlocking Financial Resources for Families

    We are continuing our deep dive into all things funding for organizations that support families both in and out of the NICU. Today we are joined by Abby Zachrtiz from SupportNow where she shares her expertise on helping families find resources for medically complex and special needs children through grants and fundraising effectively.  (00:00) - Introduction  (01:02) - Unlocking Financial Resources for Families  (07:08) - The Journey of Advocacy with Abby (10:00) - Creating a Comprehensive Support System (13:04) - Navigating Grant Applications and Funding Challenges (21:51) - Creating Supportive Community for Families (24:12) - Transforming Personal Experiences into Hope (26:30) - Resources and Next Steps for Families (27:00) - Conclusion Visit the organizations featured today at: Abby Zachrtiz: @advocacy.abby Support Now: http://SupportNow.org

    28 min
  10. Navigating the Grant Landscape: Tools and Strategies for Success

    11/06/2025

    Navigating the Grant Landscape: Tools and Strategies for Success

    In this episode, we explore effective strategies for securing grant, foundation, and corporate funding to support mission-driven work. You'll learn how to align your organization's goals with funding opportunities, the critical role data plays in proposals, and how to build impactful partnerships. (00:00) - Introduction  (03:50) - Guests Relationship with the NICU (08:58) - Leveraging Grant Funding and its Tools (20:08) - The Grant Fund Application Experience  (25:10) - Building Relationships in Grant Funding (27:17) - How State Funding Works and Discussion (39:10) - Tips on Grant Funding Applications (45:43) - Conclusion Visit the organizations featured today at: ICU Baby: http://icubaby.org/ Family Support Network: http://fsncc.org/ The Tiny Miracles Foundation: http://ttmf.org/

    46 min
  11. Unlocking Grant Funding: Expert Insights with Alice Ruhnke of GrantStation

    11/06/2025

    Unlocking Grant Funding: Expert Insights with Alice Ruhnke of GrantStation

    In this episode, we dive into the essential strategies for successful grantseeking and grantwriting, with expert insights from Alice Ruhnke of GrantStation. Alice shares her knowledge on how organizations can strengthen their approach to securing grants, from finding the right resources to crafting compelling proposals. With a focus on building confidence throughout the process, Alice provides actionable tips to help listeners navigate the complexities of the grant funding world. (00:00) Introduction  (02:50) The Current Grant Funding Landscape  (07:80) What Is a Grant Proposal?  (10:50) Different Types of Grants (16:58) Common Mistakes in Grant Writing (22:13) What Makes a Winning Proposal? (26:00) Should You Hire a Grant Writer?  (28:00) How To Find Funding to Support Operations? (30:00) What is GrantStation? (34:55) Conclusion Visit the organizations featured today at: Alice Ruhnke: https://grantstation.com/about/staff/bio/alice-ruhnke GrantStation: http://grantstation.com/

    37 min
  12. Trailer

    TRAILER

    Trailer

    Welcome to the NICUnity Podcast.

    1 min
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About

Welcome to the NICUnity Podcast. The go-to show for leaders supporting NICU and bereaved families. Join Keira Sorrells, NICU mom and founder of the NICU Parent Network, as she talks on real stories, practical tools and expert advice to help you lead with purpose and impact. This is NICUnity, where parent leaders grow together. New episodes every week.

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