Welcome to The [Inclusion] Conversation Podcast!
Today we hear from our host, Grace Yung Foster and our guest, Jenna Lee Kim, an American, transracial Korean adoptee living on Jeju Island, Korea. In this episode we explore what it means to be Asian American as a transracial Adoptee, and how we celebrate our identities while honoring that the truth of our relinquishment and loss is hard and we are also appreciative of the opportunity we have to embrace our intersectional identities.
This podcast dives into the world of work, careers, and life for Adoptees, Foster Care Alumni, our allies, parents, child welfare professionals, policy experts, and all within the Adoptee and Foster's orbit.
Jenna Lee Kim is an American, transracial Korean adoptee living on Jeju Island, Korea. In the country of her birth, she explores belonging and the intersectional identities of others. By inquiring about your story, she learns more about her own. Through community engagement and storytelling, she aims to amplify the experiences of others, foster connections, and empower adoptees navigating their journeys of discovery and truth seeking. No one travels this journey alone.
Previously, Jenna served as the first female mayor of Royersford, PA (2018–2023), worked in higher education for a decade, and holds an MS in education from Bucknell University and a writing degree from Susquehanna University.
She offers virtual workshops, 1:1 advising for transracial adoptees or their parents, and speaking engagements on intercountry adoption and identity. Her retreat, Rejuvenate on Jeju with Jenna, provides Koreans returning to Korea with a personalized day of reflection and renewal.
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In this episode, we cover:
AANHPIHM (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month)
The transracial Adoptee experience as an Asian person
Being a Korean Adoptee expat on Jeju Island
Life transitions and reclamation as an Adoptee
Mental Health Awareness Month
The complicated reality of the birth search
Jenna’s Links:
@mayor.jenna.explores
Jenna’s Podcast: https://tr.ee/5cg4qAZy2H
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Guest Submission Form: https://www.theinclusioninitiative.com/podcast
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Our executive producer is Grace Yung Foster. This show is brought to you by The Inclusion Initiative Media Studio.
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Episode’s Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by: Rejuvenate on Jeju with Jenna
For Korean Adoptees often, a return to Korea isn't simply "a vacation."
Along with excitement, a trip to Korea can bring up complex emotions for Adoptees.
Navigating cultural differences, a potential birth search, and stress over travel, these all can impact our peace on our return to our birth country.
Adoptees, whether it's your 1st visit or your 20th, you deserve an opportunity to reflect, reclaim your narrative, and find inner peace.
Join Jenna on Jeju Island. She is a Korean Adoptee who is navigating her own journey of reunion and self-discovery. She provides a safe, compassionate, and understanding environment.
Email Jenna at JejuWithJenna@gmail.com to plan your personalized day retreat today!
