Mahealani joined ICEDS in early 2022 to work on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) engagement and outreach with Pacific Island Countries & Territories. This has involved communicating the findings of the IPCC as well as exploring opportunities to increase representation within their reports. Mahealani now works in the Executive Education team, working with regional experts to develop a professional short course on Pacific Climate Security.

Having Papua New Guinean heritage, but being raised in Australia, Mahealani is particularly passionate about issues of environmental and climate justice for Pacific Island nations that play out at the international level. Outside of work, Mahealani is one of the coordinators for the Pacific Climate Warriors Canberra chapter.

Mahealani grew up in Cairns and has always held a deep love and appreciation for nature. Though Mahealani's heart is in the tropics, she loves getting away and spending time in the many national parks and mountains around Canberra.