The Story Behind the Story.
A candid conversation about identity, belonging, family, adoption, race, and the courage it takes to tell your own story.
Some stories are too important not to tell.
For more than two decades, Rhonda M. Roorda has listened to, documented, and elevated the voices of people navigating the complexities of transracial adoption, identity, race, family, and belonging.
In this conversation, Rhonda turns the lens toward her own story—and the journey that ultimately led to Torn from the Root, her deeply personal memoir.
A deeper look at the journey.
Watch Rhonda in conversation as she reflects on the experiences, questions, discoveries, and turning points that shaped her life and work.
The questions beneath the story.
Identity
What happens when the way the world sees you does not fully reflect how you understand yourself?
Belonging
The lifelong search for the people, places, culture, and experiences that allow us to feel fully seen.
Adoption
The complicated realities of transracial adoption and the stories that have too often been left outside the conversation.
Family
Love, loyalty, difference, connection, and the complicated ways families shape us.
Race
Exploring race and racial identity with honesty, nuance, courage, and lived experience.
Voice
What it means to finally claim your story, speak your truth, and make room for others to do the same.
From listening to telling.
For twenty-six years, Rhonda has helped others tell their stories.
Torn from the Root: A Memoir of a Black Transracial Adoptee brings that journey full circle as Rhonda shares her own story of identity, loss, resilience, family, truth, and belonging.
EXPLORE TORN FROM THE ROOT →After twenty-six years of helping others tell their stories, I finally share my own.
There is always more to explore.
Meet Rhonda
Explore Rhonda's story, career, awards, scholarship, advocacy, and journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR → 02Listen & Learn
Hear Rhonda in podcasts and conversations exploring adoption, identity, family, and belonging.
PODCASTS → 03Bring Rhonda Into the Room
Explore speaking, keynote, and conversation opportunities for your organization or event.
SPEAKING → 04Partner With Rhonda
Have an idea, opportunity, or collaboration you'd like to explore?
PARTNER WITH RHONDA →Your story matters.
And sometimes, the most meaningful conversations begin with simply being willing to listen.
CONNECT WITH RHONDA →