This month, I’m thrilled to introduce our new Head of Operations, Reema Mendoza. Reema and I first connected over a year ago on a BIPOC Adoptee Voices bike ride, where we made an instant connection. Since then, I’ve seen Reema’s dedication to adoptee voices and community-centered work, and I couldn’t be more excited to have her join the Adoption Mosaic team. Reema brings a rich background in early childhood education, research, and community building, and her insights and passion will undoubtedly strengthen our mission at Adoption Mosaic. Please join me in welcoming Reema as she begins this new journey with us.
I want to thank everyone who joined us at our 3rd Annual Mosaic Mixer! It was a powerful event where our adoptee community came together to share passion projects, businesses, creative pursuits, and just be together. The Mosaic Mixer was started to strengthen relationships within our community and support each other’s journeys for the upcoming month of November - National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM). Many of you expressed wanting the Mixer to happen more often, and we agree! The Adoption Mosaic Mixer will now be held bi-annually. Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 24, 2025, and keep an eye out for the registration announcement in the coming months. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates.
November is also a significant time for our community as we recognize National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM), national and local elections, and Native American Heritage Month. For our adoptee community, NAAM can be a heavy month, one that calls for extra reflection and self-care. Originally intended to raise awareness about adoption, NAAM has historically overlooked adoptees' voices. This month, I invite us to hold space for its complexities, acknowledging both the historical context and the ways NAAM has evolved. Alongside this, Native American Heritage Month reminds us to thoughtfully consider the intersections between adoption and Native American communities, recognizing the lasting impacts of family separation policies.
I’m also excited to invite you to our two We the Experts panels this month. On November 9th, we’ll explore “Adoptee Abolitionists,” discussing efforts to dismantle oppressive systems within adoption. And on November 16th, as part of our Non-Adoptee Series, birth/first parents will share their experiences of “open” adoption. These conversations provide an incredible opportunity to expand our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the full scope of adoption experiences.
Finally, I want to remind everyone to take care of themselves this month. Whether through reflection, connecting with others, or joining one of our events, remember that we’re here to support you.
