OUR MISSION & OBJECTIVES:

AK Connection supports adult Korean-Adoptees as whole people; we celebrate the trans-racial/transnational adoption experience as a unique cultural community.

We provide cultural, educational, and social programming for adult Korean-Adoptees, their families, and their communities. All programming is planned by Korean-Adoptees for OUR community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
We plan, we discuss, and we donate our time, talents, and skills to continuously improve AK Connection.

Kira Siegler
President

Location: Edina, MN
Why I want to serve the Adoptee community: Most importantly, I want to help support the community that supported me as I grew up in the Twin Cities as a Korean adoptee. I've had the privilege to be around other Korean adoptees my entire life here in the States due to these organizations, and I want to help AK Connection reconnect with its purpose and community.
Background: I was born in Anyang, Korea, adopted at 6 months old in Minnesota, and grew up in the Twin Cities. When I was younger I visited Korea with my family, and while it's on my mind more and more, I haven't found the right time to return as an adult. I've been fortunate to meet and remain in contact with my foster family and locate my birth family. As mentioned, I was a regular participant in the Korean adoptee camps and groups here. I often feel like one of the lucky ones who got to grow up with adoptees as peers, mentors, and leaders. I have so much gratitude for each and every adoptee who has shared their lives with this community in any big or small way. 

Currently, I am a proud bonus parent and caregiver in my blended family with my partner, Denis. Some know we met through the Korean adoptee community. With our girls getting older, I find myself with more time to put towards other interests and passions. And I’d love an opportunity to give back to this one. 

Tara Tenhoff
​Vice President

Location: 
Why I want to serve the Adoptee community: 
Background:
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Jenny Ries (Gwihee Hwang)
Treasurer

Location: I grew up in Bemidji, MN. Currently living in St. Paul, MN
Why I want to serve the Adoptee community: To contribute to something bigger than myself. Collaborate with people for the well-being of the community and create more opportunities to connect with Korean culture.
Background: I was adopted at 4 months old. I have not found my birth family and my search is ongoing with one trip back and another in the works for this spring. I have lived most of my life in Minnesota and have an 18 year old going on 25.

Jenn Amatya (김 순미)
General Board Member

Location: Grew up in Little Falls and St. Cloud, MN. Now living in Plymouth.
Why I want to serve the Adoptee community: My interest in serving the adoptee community lies in a lifelong desire to support organizations and causes that I am passionate about. I'm extremely grateful to our KAD community, where I've found numerous resources, events, and made deep connections and cherished friendships with others. Networking, connecting, and building community are what personally brings me joy and it's a complete honor and privilege to give back and be of service here.
Background: I was adopted at 9 months to a loving family in rural Minnesota. I have 3 children: an 11-year-old (they/them) and 8-year-old identical twin girls. I also have 3 canine fur babies: Lily, Benicio, and Norbu. When life isn't revolving around these six creatures, I work as a Program Instructor at an elementary school and also advocate for social justice issues. I enjoy reading, fishing, and spending time with loved ones .  I've been back to Korea once and hope to make the journey again in the near future.

Kimberlee Park (박은하)
Secretary - Social Media & Communications

Location:  I grew up in southern MN and now live in Minneapolis
Why I want to serve the Adoptee community: I believe finding a sense of belonging is critical for everyone, especially adoptees. Tapping into the KAD community has been transformative for me, and I'm excited to help other Minnesota KADs create and strengthen connections with each other.
Background: I was born in Seoul and was adopted when I was three months old. I made my first trip back to Korea recently and am excited to go again soon. In my spare time, I like to travel, try new restaurants, cook, study Korean and watch K-dramas.

Denis Jeong Plaster (Jun Suk)
General Board Member - Website Design/Tech

Location: Raised in Minneapolis, currently live in Edina
Why I want to serve the Adoptee community: In my early teens, I reconnected with my biological mother, and in my twenties, I made a life-changing trip to Korea to meet her. It was during this time that I discovered a local community of Korean adoptees in Minnesota, and I was taken aback by the number of other adoptees. It's been an amazing experience to connect with fellow adoptees, share our stories, and offer support. I'm eagerly looking forward to giving back to this community and contributing my skills to AK Connection.
Background: I was born in Incheon, South Korea, and spent my first couple years with my birth mother. However, when I was two I was placed in St. Vincent's Home for Amerasian Children and adopted a year later. I grew up in Minneapolis with my parents and older sister. Currently I live in Edina with my two teenage daughters and my partner Kira.