Name/Korean name: Taneka Hye Wol Jennings (she)

First KAtCH event:
I believe my first KAtCH event was a community dinner in the Winter of 2008.

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now?
I grew up near the New Jersey shore, but have lived in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago since 2007.

Tell us about yourself:
I was born in Cheongju, South Korea in February of 1985. I migrated to the U.S. when I was about three months old, having been adopted into a White American family. I have one older sister who is biologically related to my adoptive parents. The area where I grew up was racially and ethnically diverse; however, I did not have other peers who were adoptees.

Over the years, I have grown into a person of many passions, with a commitment to social and racial justice, and a particular interest in advancing policy and systems change that centers and uplifts historically marginalized communities. This stems in part from my lived experiences as a transracial, intercountry Korean adoptee, and my own yearning for safety, belonging, and freedom.

You’ll likely KAtCH me doing the following:
Being active in nature, spending time with loved ones - including my partner, and exploring creative outlets for self-expression and healing. Currently, I spend about 5 months out of the year commuting to the Illinois Capitol for my day job in legislative affairs. On the weekends, I’ve been spinning up a storm on the wheel at my pottery studio. I also enjoy traveling - 2023 included trips to Egypt, Turkey, South Korea, and Mexico. Aside from that you might KAtCH me biking, dancing, or running through the streets of Chicago, or grabbing a meal or coffee at a local restaurant.

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community?
I appreciate KAtCH because it provides a safe space for members of our transracial, intercountry adoptee community to form friendships, explore our roots, experience healing, and affirm and empower each other in our identities and potential as individuals and collectively. Growing up as the only adoptee in my family and peer groups was at times very isolating, and it has been a life-changing experience to discover that I am not alone.

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland:
Korean bar - Yeowoosai, brunch - Flying Saucer, coffee shop - Caffè Umbria (Armitage)

Find me/Social Media:
IG: @taneka_hyewol
FB: Taneka Hye Wol Jennings