More Kinds of Awesome:
Untold Stories by and for Adoptees
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 pm CT
PROGRAM
Welcome
Sharissa Mickelson
Story includes mention of premature birth, time spent in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and being unhoused
Elizabeth Brenes
Story includes mention of bullying and DNA testing.
Mags Scanlon
Story includes mention of birth family search and reunion, mental health struggles, and references to suicide and homicide.
– INTERMISSION –
Siuho Gong
Story includes mention of microaggressions and drowning.
Cecilia Elizabeth Ortiz
Story includes mention of birth family reunion and pregnancy.
Closing & Reception
Welcome
Sharissa Mickelson
Story includes mention of premature birth, time spent in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and being unhoused
Elizabeth Brenes
Story includes mention of bullying and DNA testing.
Mags Scanlon
Story includes mention of birth family search and reunion, mental health struggles, and references to suicide and homicide.
– INTERMISSION –
Siuho Gong
Story includes mention of microaggressions and drowning.
Cecilia Elizabeth Ortiz
Story includes mention of birth family reunion and pregnancy.
Closing & Reception
About NPA
Network of Politicized Adoptees (NPA)’s mission is to strengthen, cultivate, and improve the lives of adoptees by building community power. Through solution-focused action, we advance adoptee justice by telling our own stories and collectively working towards systemic change. NPA’s vision is for all adoptees to feel empowered and have access to history, knowledge, fair policy, records, and positive health and relationships. Learn more about our work at www.npa-mn.org.
Curator & Host
Julia Gay (she/they) is a dancer, writer and community organizer committed to uplifting the intersections of justice, healing and the arts. In her fleeting and precious free time, Julia can be found reminiscing about her days as a hand model and stealthily breaking her vegan diet when no one is looking. Her one-woman show, Motherlanded, which explores her personal narrative as a Chinese adoptee, premiered in 2016 at Pangea World Theater and was later remounted in 2019 at Dreamland Arts in St. Paul, MN. Julia joined NPA’s steering committee in 2020 and is beyond honored to be curating this iteration of More Kinds of Awesome. Learn more about her work at www.juliagay.com.
Storytellers
Sharissa Mickelson (she/her) is known as a trusted confidant—someone people can turn to for advice and a listening ear. Though shy, Sharissa found confidence in dancing, using the art form to express what words sometimes couldn't. This passion not only helped Sharissa come out of her shell, but also shaped her appreciation for the beauty in movement and self-expression. Outside of dance, Sharissa has a deep love for cats, often finding joy in their quiet companionship. When not immersed in a captivating TV show or spending time with furry friends, Sharissa loves to explore the vibrant city of Minneapolis, discovering new food spots and enjoying unique activities around town. Whether it’s a hidden cafe or a pop-up event, Sharissa is always seeking out the next adventure, enjoying the city's energy and flavors with a curious, open heart.
Elizabeth Brenes (she/her) enjoys being a gamer, identifies as an Asian foodie, and loves kawaii stuff. She grew up in Minnesota’s four seasons and is not fond of the harsh winters. She moved to two different states throughout ten years, gaining life lessons along the way before moving back to Minnesota
Mags Scanlon (she/her) is a freelance lighting designer in the Twin Cities. In her free time, she loves creating art of all kinds of media, and walking her dog
Siuho Gong (she/her) is a playful, curious, and chronically befuddled individual. She grew up in California, and despite the fact she’s been here for years, she still has yet to adapt to the Minnesota winters. You can find her at events out in the community or watching YouTube videos and eating snacks in her apartment.
Cecilia Elizabeth Ortiz (she/her/ella) is often mistaken for being younger than she is. She believes this is either due to her childlike enthusiasm or the youth enhancing beverages she drinks. She loves spending time with her daughter and doing activities which make her inner child happy. She is so happy to be here in person as she works at home by herself all day :)
Thank you!
A special thanks to Springboard for the Arts for the venue, to Elly for our amazing event graphic, and to NPA steering committee members/event organizing extraordinaires Katherine Wald & Mari Arneson for making this event possible!
Help us host more events like this!
We are an entirely volunteer run group. Your gift makes it possible for us to continue hosting adoptee-centered events for our community. You can make a donation to our Venmo account @npadopteesmn. Thank you for your support!
