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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