Rhonda M. Roorda

Rhonda M. Roorda, MA is an Award-Winning Author, Consultant, and Thought Leader on Transracial Adoption. Rhonda was adopted out of the New York foster care system at the age of two and into a white American family with Dutch heritage. She was raised with her two non-adopted siblings in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Rhonda has dedicated her life’s work to advocating for children and families and collaborating with individuals, groups and organizations to create nuanced and authentic mirrors for Transracial adoptees and adoptive families. Rhonda’s latest book, In Their Voices: Black Americans on Transracial Adoption was named by Choice Magazine as a 2016 Outstanding Academic Title. At The 30th Annual New York Book Show presented by The Book Industry Guild Of New York, In Their Voices was awarded (3rd Place) for its scholarly and powerful cover. With the late Dr. Rita J. Simon, Rhonda coauthored a landmark trilogy of books on Transracial Adoption (In Their Own Voices, In Their Parents’ Voices, and In Their Siblings’ Voices). Rhonda’s work is highly regarded in academia, among adoption agencies, foundations and parent groups, in corporations, in Hollywood, and in households throughout the United States and abroad. Rhonda is the recipient of the 2010 Judge John P. Steketee Adoption Hero Award from the Adoptive Family Support Network (MI). Rhonda was awarded the 2017 Friend of Children and Youth Award from the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). At the Adopt America Network Gala in Toledo, Ohio, Rhonda was bestowed the 2022 Richard K. Ransom Award for her significant contributions to Children and Families and for her work with the NBC TV Show This Is Us. Rhonda has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC News Live with Kyra Phillips, and CNN with Alisyn Camerota. Rhonda has served as an expert voice on People’s Magazine podcast Me Becoming Mom with Zoë Ruderman and guest Fitness Guru Jillian Michaels. Rhonda has also been interviewed in national print media and on local radio and TV stations in communities throughout the country. Rhonda earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Telecommunications (Strategic Communication) from Calvin University; and a Master of Arts Degree in Communication-Urban Studies at Michigan State University. Rhonda served on the Calvin University Alumni Board. Currently Rhonda serves as an Executive Member of the Calvin University Board of Trustees. Rhonda is a fund administrator at an educational advocacy organization in Lansing, Michigan.