Leslie Lee at the age of 58, is just beginning to explore what it truly means to be adopted. As a same-race adoptee, she was placed with her family at eight weeks old, according to the transcript she received from the agency (Louise Wise) that facilitated the adoption.

For most of her life, she carried this part of her identity in silence—only sharing it with a select few friends and family members. Secrecy, and at times shame, shaped much of her experience.

Today, she's married, a proud mother of two adult sons, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren. Professionally, she built a meaningful career as a human resource specialist, with over 23 years of experience in higher education. She also holds several professional certifications in her field.

Outside of work, she's rediscovering her love for reading as a way to disconnect from the noise of current events. Leslie recently took up knitting—still a novice, but enjoying the learning process through both in-person and online lessons. This season of life is about learning what brings her peace, what pleases her, and what helps manage stress in healthy, fulfilling ways.

She's honored to share space within the adoption constellation and to finally connect with a community that understands this journey—people who simply get her, just because.

Music by Corey Quinn

Veronica is the co-author of "Rooted in Adoption-A Collection of Adoptee Reflections" and the "Rooted in Adoption Journal" now on Amazon. Veronica's Instagram is @rootedinadoption0520

Recommendations: https://www.sdpb.org/2012-07-16/piecing-together-stories-of-families-lost-in-slavery

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/FMfcgzQbdrKfFmpzGsFrtBfrZVfPFFdD?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

Music by Corey Quinn

Kimberly L. Carter is a women's leadership strategist, speaker, and author of the journal, “Rise, Thrive, and Flourish”. With a background in spirituality, empowerment, and Gen Z leadership development, she helps women and organizations cultivate confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through her consulting work, coaching, and vibrant online presence, Kimberly empowers the next generation of leaders to show up boldly, speak with authority, and lead with heart. She is a military veteran, holds an MBA and M.Div., and is pursuing a PhD in Women's Spirituality.

Connect with her at www.kimberlycarter.live or on Instagram @kimberlycarterlive