1: Michelle Madrid-Branch
Michelle Madrid-Branch is an international, transracial adoptee who is also a mom-by-transracial-adoption. She's penned several books, including our latest fave, Coco and Olive -- a transracial adoption book for children. Michelle is the host of The Greater Than Podcast and shares adoption stories on her Quilt of Life. She's been a guest here, answering your burning adoption questions. Michelle's wisdom and warmth are my two favorite things about her!
2 and 3: Dave and Brett of Yes I'm Adopted, Don't Make It Weird
Anyone who is part of the White Sugar, Brown Sugar Facebook community knows that I'm all about these guys. They are funny, they are honest, and they are all about educating adoptive parents so that we can do a great job raising our children! They offer us weekly videos on important adoption topics--and their videos are kid-appropriate. My kids and I watch them together. Plus, their platform name--Yes, I'm Adopted. Don't Make It Weird--is the best!
4: Mallory Fogas
Mallory and I connected about a year ago--and I absolutely adore her! She's a "partial adoptee" (you can read more about her story on her site). She runs an adoption profile business called Arrow and Root--and what's unique about her business is that she's pro-ethics. If you follow her on Instagram, you'll learn a lot! I've had the honor of sharing about transracial adoption when it comes to your adoption profile and questions to ask yourself before choosing transracial adoption with Mallory's readers. Recently, Mallory shared with me, "The adoption community right now is powerful. There are so many changes happening for all sides of the triad. Voices are being heard and people are truly trying to understand and give space to those who haven't had their voices shared for so long."
5: Jill Murphy
Jill Murphy is one of those women whom you can't help but like the minute you meet her. Jill is a birth mama AND a mom by international, transracial adoption. She wrote a fantastic book called Finding Motherhood where she teaches us about her journey. She exudes love, honesty, and humor--and is one of my favorite Internet friends.
6: Barry Farmer
When searching "adoption" online, Barry Farmer's name just keeps coming up. He grew up in kinship-care (foster care), and he went on to adopt three white boys from foster care--before he turned 30. We recently discussed transracial adoption, and Barry shared, "You {parent} are going to need to be hungry for knowledge to care for a child of a different culture than your own. You need to provide daily racial mirrors for your children and not have them isolated. Diversity is key."
Jill Murphy is one of those women whom you can't help but like the minute you meet her. Jill is a birth mama AND a mom by international, transracial adoption. She wrote a fantastic book called Finding Motherhood where she teaches us about her journey. She exudes love, honesty, and humor--and is one of my favorite Internet friends.
6: Barry Farmer
When searching "adoption" online, Barry Farmer's name just keeps coming up. He grew up in kinship-care (foster care), and he went on to adopt three white boys from foster care--before he turned 30. We recently discussed transracial adoption, and Barry shared, "You {parent} are going to need to be hungry for knowledge to care for a child of a different culture than your own. You need to provide daily racial mirrors for your children and not have them isolated. Diversity is key."
Who is your favorite adoptee(s) to follow and learn from? Let's touch base! Talk to me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter! And please, don't miss another blog post! Sign up here, and not only will I alert you weekly of the latest post, but I'll send you the first six chapters of The Hopeful Mom's Guide to Adoption -- ASAP!