Meet Adriauna Davis

 

We were lucky to catch up with Adriauna Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adriauna, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose after giving birth to my daughter, Harmonie Grace, at just 23 weeks and 1 day. She was a micro preemie, weighing less than 430 grams (15.1 oz). During our NICU journey, I witnessed firsthand the severe lack of resources and support available to fellow NICU parents. Motivated by this experience, I wrote a book about my journey and established the Harmonie Grace Foundation. Our mission is to provide crucial support and resources to those who face similar challenges, ensuring they do not endure these tough times alone. It was my personal experience and unwavering commitment to supporting families with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) inspired me to establish the foundation. My vision is to provide essential resources, advocacy, and emotional support to NICU families, empowering them to navigate the challenges of premature birth and critical care with strength, resilience, and hope. Founded in 2019, the Harmonie Grace Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting maternal and infant health. The foundation focuses on providing comprehensive support to families with infants in the NICU, ensuring they have access to the resources and care they need during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At the Harmonie Grace Foundation, my team and I are dedicated to supporting NICU parents during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Our mission is to provide resources, emotional support, and a sense of community to those navigating the difficult journey of having a baby in the NICU. What makes our work so special is the personal connection and firsthand experience that drives our efforts. Having lived through the NICU experience with my daughter, Harmonie Grace, I understand the profound impact that access to resources and support can have.

One of the most exciting aspects of our work is witnessing the positive difference we make in the lives of families. Whether it’s providing practical assistance, emotional support, or simply being a source of comfort, knowing that we are helping others through their toughest moments is incredibly rewarding.

Through our work, we strive to ensure that no NICU parent feels alone or unsupported. By offering resources, advocacy, and a compassionate community, the Harmonie Grace Foundation is making a lasting impact on the lives of families in need.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey with the Harmonie Grace Foundation are resilience, empathy, and effective communication. These traits helped shape the foundation and drive our mission forward.

Resilience: The journey of having a micro preemie in the NICU was filled with ups and downs. The ability to stay strong and persevere through the toughest moments was crucial. Resilience allowed me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with significant challenges. For those early in their journey, my advice is to develop a strong support network and practice self-care. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and engage in activities that help recharge your emotional and mental energy.

Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, especially fellow NICU parents, has been essential. Empathy enables you to connect deeply with those you aim to support and provide the kind of help that truly makes a difference. To cultivate empathy, actively listen to others’ stories and experiences, and put yourself in their shoes. Volunteering and engaging in community work can also help broaden your perspective and enhance your empathetic abilities.

Effective Communication: Clearly conveying our mission, goals, and the needs of the families we support has been vital in raising awareness and garnering support. Effective communication ensures that our message resonates with a broader audience, including potential donors, volunteers, and partners. For those looking to improve their communication skills, consider public speaking courses, writing workshops, and actively seeking feedback on your communication style. Practice storytelling and learn to articulate your vision and passion in a way that engages and inspires others.

My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace these qualities and continuously seek opportunities to develop them. Be patient with yourself, stay open to learning, and remember that every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Several key people have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success with the Harmonie Grace Foundation:

My Team: The committed team members of the Harmonie Grace Foundation have played a crucial role in our success. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for our mission have been fundamental in driving our initiatives forward. They bring diverse skills and perspectives, making our efforts more effective and impactful.

Mentors: Having mentors who have walked similar paths has been invaluable. Their guidance, wisdom, and experience have provided me with insights and strategies to navigate the complex world of nonprofit work. They offered advice on everything from fundraising to managing volunteers and helped me see the bigger picture during challenging times.

Family and Friends: My family and close friends have been a constant source of support and encouragement. They provided emotional support during the toughest moments and celebrated the successes, no matter how small. Their belief in me and the mission of the foundation has kept me motivated and focused.

Fellow NICU Parents: Connecting with other NICU parents has been both inspiring and educational. Sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions with others who have faced similar situations has provided me with practical knowledge and a sense of community. These relationships have reinforced the importance of empathy and understanding in our work.

Professional Development Resources: Workshops, seminars, and online courses have been crucial in building the necessary skills for running a successful foundation. Learning from experts in fields such as nonprofit management, fundraising, and public speaking has equipped me with the tools needed to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Embracing Risk

Embracing risk is one of the most powerful things anyone can do to level up

Leadership Development
Perspectives on Where and How to Foster Generosity

Core to our mission is building a more compassionate and generous world and so we

Productivity
Stories of Overcoming Creative Blocks and Finding New Paths to Creativity

“The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old