KYLE FARRELL
President
Kyle Farrell was born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted to Virginia at four months old. After returning to Korea with his sister, a fellow Korean adoptee, in 2023, he was inspired to create stronger connections within the adoptee community at home. As founder and president of AKA Philadelphia, Kyle is passionate about creating a welcoming space for Korean adoptees and DoKADs to connect, explore their heritage, and build community.
DARRAGH
HANNAN
VP of Community Affairs
Darragh Hannan was adopted from South Korea at eight weeks old and grew up in Minneapolis before gradually making her way east to Philadelphia. After meeting another Korean adoptee for the first time, she became involved in the local adoptee community and eventually joined the board of AKA Philadelphia. She loves being creative, visiting museums, and eating as much Korean food as possible.
RYLEE
MEYER
VP of Executive Affairs
Rylee Meyer was adopted from South Korea to New Jersey in 1997. After reuniting with her Korean birth family in 2024, she began exploring her identity and connecting more deeply with the Korean adoptee community. A storyteller at heart, she joined AKA Philadelphia in 2026, where she supports executive affairs and marketing. She loves gaming, Bong Joon Ho films, and tteokbokki.
KATELYN
TUPITZA
Director of DoKad Division
Katelyn Tupitza is a DoKAD whose mother was adopted from Incheon, South Korea, through Holt International. In 2023, she traveled to Korea with her mother for the first time, deepening her connection to her family’s Korean heritage. She has participated in DoKAD-focused research, co-led a panel at KAAN 2026, and manages the Guardians of the DoKADs Facebook community. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her son at his sporting events and hosting family and friends.
LEADERSHIP
AKA Philadelphia is led by a team of Korean adoptees dedicated to building community, creating meaningful connections, and celebrating our shared heritage. Together, we work to create a welcoming space where adoptees and DoKADs can connect, share their experiences, and find a sense of belonging.