THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY - Mar. 2025
By Jon Oaks
Honoring Korean Adoptee Women on International Women’s Day
Each year on March 8, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women worldwide. For Korean adoptee women, this day carries additional significance, touching on themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery in a world that often overlooks the complexity of adoptee experiences.
Photo from Korean American Adoptee Women’s Saturday group, Omija
Breaking Barriers: Korean Adoptee Women in Leadership and Advocacy
Despite the challenges of growing up in transracial and international adoption, many Korean adoptee women have become powerful voices for change. They work across various fields to advocate for adoptee rights, racial justice, and gender equality. Here are a few remarkable women who have made an impact:
Marissa Brandt
Marissa Brandt, a Korean adoptee and ice hockey player, represented South Korea in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Her journey highlights the intersection of sports, identity, and reclaiming cultural heritage.
Amy Mihyang Ginther
Amy Mihyang Ginther, a Korean adoptee, is a voice coach, speaker, and assistant professor at UC Santa Cruz. She specializes in identity, belonging, and self-expression for marginalized communities and is the founder of Vocal Context, where she helps individuals develop confidence in their voices.
(Video from "Greater sum of all those parts" excerpt from 'between' a solo piece by Amy Mihyang)
Jenna Ushkowitz
Jenna Ushkowitz, a Korean adoptee, is an actress, producer, and co-founder of Kindred: The Foundation for Adoption, a nonprofit providing resources and support for adoptees. She is best known for her role on the TV Show Glee and her advocacy work in the adoptee community.
Julie Young
Julie Young is an attorney turned non-profit executive, writer and producer. Adopted at the age of three from Korea, she grew up in upstate New York. Julie is the founder of DreamMaker DreamDoer DreamSupporter, Inc and Tide Film Festival. Julie is also a former executive board chair of Korean American Story, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Korean American and adoptee narratives.
The women of Korean American Story have used their platforms to raise awareness about adoption, identity, and the complexities of growing up between cultures. Their successes demonstrate the strength and resilience of adoptee women navigating multiple identities.
Empowering Korean Adoptee Women Today
Korean adoptee women navigate complex intersections of identity, gender, and race. Finding community and support can be invaluable, and one of the most exciting opportunities this year is Camp Omija—a retreat designed exclusively for adult Korean adoptee women (KAW).
Camp Omija will be held July 10-13, 2025, in upstate New York. This first-of-its-kind retreat, created by and for Korean adoptee women, offers a unique opportunity to connect in person, strengthen bonds, and explore identity in a supportive environment.
For many adoptees, finding safe and affirming spaces can be transformative. Camp Omija is a chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate shared experiences.
Resources and Events for Korean Adoptee Women
Beyond International Women’s Day, there are many organizations and initiatives dedicated to empowering Korean adoptee women:
Omija– A support group specifically for Korean American adoptee women and women-aligned individuals. They meet virtually every Saturday to share experiences and provide mutual support.
Me & Korea– A nonprofit organization serving Korean adoptees and their families by forging connections between the Korean community and adoptees. They offer annual tours to Korea for adult adoptees and educational programs for adopted children and families.
Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network (KAAN) Conference– Scheduled for June 20-22, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, this conference provides a platform for adoptees and their families to engage in discussions, workshops, and cultural activities.
Korean Women's Festival– An annual event celebrating International Women’s Day, bringing together feminists and women across Korea to discuss gender equality, democracy, and identity.
Celebrating Strength and Storytelling
On International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the resilience of Korean adoptee women and continue advocating for spaces where their voices, stories, and experiences are recognized and honored.
And most importantly, celebrate your own story. Whether through journaling, creative projects, or simply embracing the complexities of identity, every adoptee’s journey is valid and worth sharing.
