Name: Beyond Birth Search: Heritage Travel & Identity*
Start: 2025-06-20T14:00:00-0400
End: 2025-06-20T15:15:00-0400

The KAAN 2025 Conference will take place at The Grand Hyatt in Atlanta, GA, on June 20-22. The theme this year is Growth and Change. As always, we offer an adoptee-only track alongside our general breakout sessions, which are open to all. We also offer programs for adults and youth (ages 8-17). All are welcome, including adoptees, birth families, family members (adoptive parents, spouses/partners, siblings and children of adoptees), service providers, and Korean Americans. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at tech@wearekaan.org.

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Friday June 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

Maple (3rd floor)

Heritage travel goes beyond the birth search; it has transformative effects on an adoptee’s identity. We’ll explore these impacts through a blend of storytelling and discussion. First, we’ll share our own personal journeys. Then, we’ll invite participant engagement, incorporate quotes from past travelers, and review recent findings on the benefits of heritage travel.

This session will also be held on Sunday at 9:45 - 11:00 AM.

Speakers

Liz Kwon

Liz Kwon was born in Seoul and adopted to Wisconsin. Liz has been involved in the KAD community since she started attending Korean culture camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin at age 5.Liz has been on panels with Adoption Mosaic (Adoptees & Parenting; Adoptees & Adoptive Family Estrangement... Read More →

Tanya Kaanta

Tanya, is a Korean adoptee and former academic with a PhD in Sociology and an MS in Student Affairs. With 20 years in higher education, she supported students, taught sociology, and conducted research focused on education and adoptee identity. In 1999, Tanya returned to Korea to live... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Maple (3rd floor)

Fishbowl Session (Adoptee-Centered But Non-Adoptees May Attend To Listen), Repeat Session

KAAN 2025

Liz Kwon

Tanya Kaanta

Attendees (36)

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