Our Story & Leadership

Stephen Yim, an esteemed estate planning attorney, recognized a pressing need within his community and among his clients. He observed that families with children who have disabilities often lacked access to the comprehensive resources and information necessary to make informed decisions about their loved ones' care. Additionally, he saw the critical importance of guiding families through meaningful discussions on end-of-life planning—helping them express their wishes, share them with caregivers and family members, and ensure they are honored.

Understanding that his busy estate planning law firm could not dedicate the necessary time to these vital initiatives, Stephen Yim established the Heartfelt Legacy Foundation in 2014 as a separate entity. The foundation was created to focus entirely on these critical causes, aiming to serve the people of Hawai‘i by promoting community well-being and fostering connections between families and professionals.

Since its inception, the foundation has grown and evolved, overcoming early challenges to become a trusted resource for families and professionals alike. This progress is due in large part to the dedicated leadership of its Co-Trustees:

• Monica Yempuku, an estate planning attorney, has served as Co-Trustee since the foundation’s establishment in 2014, playing a key role in shaping its mission and outreach.

• Britta Lau joined as Co-Trustee in 2018 and, recognizing the foundation's growing impact, took on the role of Executive Director in 2023 to further develop and expand its initiatives.

• Christina Leos is the newest addition to the leadership team, joining as Co-Trustee at the beginning of 2025 to continue advancing the foundation’s mission.

Today

The Heartfelt Legacy Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering families with the knowledge and resources they need, ensuring that their children and family members with disabilities can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. Simultaneously, it serves as a central hub where Hawai‘i’s professionals—attorneys, financial planners, healthcare providers, and advocates—can connect, collaborate, and better support these families.

By fostering these connections, the Heartfelt Legacy Foundation ensures that families receive the guidance and support they need while strengthening the professional network dedicated to serving the community. The foundation stands as a testament to Stephen Yim's vision and the unwavering dedication of its leadership team—committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of families in Hawai‘i.

Feb 2025

Our Heartfelt Legacy Foundation trustees recently attended a special needs planning seminar, deepening their knowledge and gathering valuable resources to better serve families in Hawai‘i. We are dedicated to continuous education, ensuring that we bring back the best information, strategies, and connections to support our community. By staying informed, we can empower local families and professionals with the tools they need to navigate special needs planning with confidence.