As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on my first year as the owner and director of The Ties Program—a role I embraced with excitement, gratitude, curiosity, and determination. This year has been transformative, filled with learning, growth, and deep connections with adoptees, loved ones, and communities worldwide.
As an adoptee, this role is deeply personal. The Ties Program has long been a space for healing, discovery, and belonging—something I wish I had growing up. This year, I’ve seen firsthand the power of adoptees reconnecting with their roots and weaving together the threads of their identity. It’s been both humbling and inspiring.
A Year of Firsts
2024 was a year of many “firsts”: my first trip leading the Ties Program, first leadership challenges, and first opportunities to witness the profound, long-term impact of our work. I’ll always remember an adoptee who reluctantly joined a trip, only to leave transformed. The experience filled a void they hadn’t even realized was there, while fostering a newfound bond with their adoptive mom. Moments like these are the heart of why we do what we do.
Another unforgettable highlight was a heartfelt farewell dinner, where adoptees and loved ones shared stories of closure, curiosity, and connection. One adoptee, initially unwilling to engage with the group, spoke about how much the community had come to mean to them. They described finding a new circle of friends and loved ones they would always treasure. These transformations reinforced why The Ties Program matters and deepened my commitment to this work.
Lessons Learned
Taking the reins of Ties has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of leading with compassion. I’ve learned the importance of connection and communication—between participants, local communities, and the adoptee community—and of balancing logistics with the emotional depth of these journeys. These trips are not just about the destinations we visit; they are about creating spaces where adoptees and their loved ones feel safe to explore their identities, embrace their stories, and celebrate their journeys. That balance is what makes Ties unique, and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we plan for 2025, I’m excited to expand our offerings, refine programs, and build a stronger year-round community. Beyond group trips, we’re developing new opportunities for adoptees and their loved ones to connect and explore their heritage in meaningful ways. We’re also working on new ways to engage with our community year-round, providing resources, support, and opportunities for connection even after the trips have ended.
What drives me most is the belief that every adoptee deserves the opportunity to connect with their roots and explore their heritage in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through visiting a birth country, reflecting on personal narratives, or simply finding a sense of belonging, these experiences are transformative.
A Thank You to Our Community
To the adoptees, loved ones, local communities, partners, and the Ties team—thank you for your trust and dedication. A special thanks to Becca Piper, our beloved founder, whose vision and compassion created this incredible community. Ties would not exist without her vision and unwavering dedication and support.
Share Your Highlights
What was your most meaningful moment in 2024? Whether it was a Ties trip, a personal milestone, or a transformative experience, I’d love to hear your story.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with discovery, connection, and belonging.
What drives me most is the belief that every adoptee deserves the opportunity to connect with their roots and explore their heritage in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through visiting a birth country, reflecting on personal narratives, or simply finding a sense of belonging, these experiences are transformative.
With gratitude and connection,
Tanya Kaanta, PhD
Executive Director, The Ties Program