2025 Copenhagen Leadership Summit
Date: July 10, 2025
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
The IKAA Leadership Program was a productive day combining presentations, facilitated discussions, and sharing of experiences while providing social networking opportunities. The morning sessions focused on organizational topics among IKAA network representatives, while the afternoon included all participants and emphasized leadership development and community engagement.
Key presentations included OKA updates by Mr. Byun, IKAA President Tommy Gentzel on IKAA leadership sustainability and 2026 IKAA Korea Gathering planning, and Julayne Lee presenting the EARS initiative. This organization was established to help ensure that the transfer of adoptee records from adoption agencies to the NCRC is conducted safely, properly, and with full accountability. Throughout the day, participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing experiences, challenges, and strategies to strengthen the global Korean adoptee network.
Key Outcomes
- Strengthened collaboration across IKAA member and non-member organizations, fostering a more connected global Korean adoptee network.
- Participants gained valuable leadership insights through sharing experiences and learning from one another.
- For newer leaders in particular, hearing about challenges faced by other organizations and effective solutions was especially helpful.
- Important discussions and suggestions were put forward to support the sustainability of IKAA and to inform the planning of the 2026 IKAA Korea Gathering.
- The event energized attendees to engage more actively within the network.
Based on participant feedback, dedicated leadership programs are essential for connecting, equipping, and inspiring the community volunteer leaders, thereby strengthening organizational sustainability. We highly value our partnership with OKA in continuing this important work together.
