Dr. JaeRan Kim, associate professor of Social Work and Criminal Justice at the University of Washington, talks about the origins of her non-linear path to Social Work and her dedication to social justice, shaped by her personal experiences as a transracial and transnational adoptee from Korea.
She describes how becoming a parent herself, meeting other Korean adoptees, traveling to Korea, and starting her BSW program with all BIPOC instructors and mentors were transformative experiences that helped give her the structural lens she needed to understand her life experiences.
Her storytelling highlights the impact of community, mentorship, and the importance of lived experience in shaping social justice work, emphasizing the need for systemic change to support and empower those with direct experience with the issues. Dr. Kim prioritizes community-based projects and is the author of the blog, Harlow’s Monkey.
In addition to following Dr. Kim on Harlow's Monkey, you can connect with her on Instagram @harlows_monkey, and LinkedIn @jaerankimphd.
00:00 Understanding Adoption and Its Complexities 00:50 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories 02:01 Meet Our Guest: JaeRan Kim 03:34 JaeRan's Journey: From Minnesota to Academia 06:35 Challenges of Transracial Adoption 10:26 Navigating Identity and Racism 16:02 Parenting and Social Justice 25:55 Reconnecting with Korean Heritage 28:09 Discovering Social Work 28:37 Unique Social Work Program 29:24 Internships and Realizations 31:24 Pursuing a Master's Degree 31:46 Starting Activism 33:13 Critiquing Adoption Systems 35:52 Empowering Communities 38:17 Challenges in Funding and Support 42:08 Influences and Inspirations 47:41 Reflections and Future Hopes 55:00 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.
I am a social worker, social justice educator, writer, and organizational consultant who works to advance equity and social justice within people, organizations, and communities.
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