School of Self-Worth

93: From Korea to Adoptee to Founder with Grace Yung Foster of The Inclusion Initiative


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Jan 15 2025 45 mins  
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In this week’s episode, I sit down with Grace Yung Foster, a transracial, transnational adoptee from Korea, who was orphaned at the age of 3. Grace shares her moving story about coming to the United States at the age of 5, going through the foster system in a new country, how she was finally adopted, and the obstacles she overcame both as an adoptee and as a person of color growing up in a very white community.

For her entire life, Grace was constantly on the search for true belonging and inclusion. After working in corporate America and nonprofits, she realized she wanted to support adult adoptees and foster care alumni and to reclaim her own identity, so she founded The Inclusion Initiative.

Grace’s story and resilience are remarkable, and any high-achieving woman of color can relate to her powerful story of how she created belonging and inclusion for herself.

The TOP Learnings in this episode:

  • Impact of early rejection on self-worth (10:35 - 12:50)
  • Importance of embracing identity (18:15 - 20:35)
  • Resilience and adaptability (25:50 - 27:45)
  • Power of community and representation (32:10 - 35:05)
  • Role of education and peer influence (40:00 - 42:15)
  • Overcoming perfectionism and seeking authenticity (48:20 - 50:35)

Grace Yung Foster is an inspiring transracial, transnational adoptee from Korea who transitioned from a challenging start in life to achieving remarkable success. Orphaned at the age of three, Grace was adopted into the U.S. foster care system, experiencing multiple rejections before finally being adopted at age eight. Her journey through foster care significantly influenced her self-worth and drove her ambition to excel in corporate America.

Despite professional success, Grace found herself still grappling with intrinsic self-value. Determined to reclaim her identity and support others with similar experiences, she left her corporate job two years ago to focus on advocacy and community building. Grace founded the Inclusion Initiative, a platform dedicated to uniting and empowering adoptees and foster care alumni through shared stories and resources. Her work resonates deeply within and beyond her community, reflecting a commitment to fostering belonging and intrinsic self-worth.

An outspoken advocate for embracing one's authentic self, Grace frequently shares her journey on social media and recently launched a podcast under the Inclusion Initiative. Her narrative is an emblem of resilience and transformation, making her an inspiring figure for anyone navigating similar pathways.

Learn More About Grace:

Catch up with Nicole:


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