First Bolivian Adoptees USA Gathering

Join us for the First National Gathering of Bolivian Adoptees in the U.S., taking place September 3–7, 2026, centered around the Bolivia Festival. This historic gathering is the first event of its kind, created specifically for Bolivian adoptees to come together in person.

This gathering offers Bolivian adoptees the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with others who share similar lived experiences, openly discuss adoption in a space where no explanation is needed, reclaim parts of their identity, and reconnect with their heritage. Through cultural presentations, traditional dance, community events, and engagement with the Bolivian American community, attendees will deepen their understanding of Bolivia’s history, culture, and Indigenous roots while participating in cultural celebrations. For many, this will be the first time experiencing what it feels like to truly belong within a community that shares their heritage and welcomes them as part of it.

We want this to be the beginning of a lasting community where Bolivian adoptees can continue supporting one another, strengthening their connection to Bolivia, and finding a true sense of belonging.

Hosted By: Maria Bradford, Serena Martinez, & Francisco Escobar
Supporting Team Members: Maia Angelica, Alicia Messi, & Joel Frondelli

Important Disclosure: Registration fees and donations are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend after registering, your contribution will be treated as a direct donation to our beneficiary foundations.

ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES:

Network of Bolivian Adoptees: Collectively Searching For Our Families Fundraiser

The Network of Bolivian Adoptees are looking to raise money to collectively search for our biological relatives in Bolivia.The two phase approach will add valuable DNA to a database that doesn’t have a lot of DNA from Bolivia because of limited accessibility, potentially giving each and every one of us a better foundation if and when we wish to search for our biological family through DNA databases. Link is here.

For more information, go to:
Instagram: @BolivianAdoptees
BolivianAdoptees.com

Survey Heritage Language

Researchers from Ghent University want to learn why Bolivian adoptees learn Spanish or other languages connected to Bolivia. This survey takes about 20 minutes. There are no right or wrong answers. We just want to hear about your own experience.

A few important things:
- Taking part is completely voluntary. You can stop at any time, for any reason.
- You can skip any question you don't want to answer.
- Some questions are about adoption and identity. These can feel personal, so only answer what feels comfortable.
- Your answers are confidential and will be kept anonymous in any reports.

You can take part if you:
- are 18 or older
- were adopted from Bolivia
- can complete the survey in English

If you have any questions, you can contact Hari Prasad Sacré at Hari.Sacre@ugent.be.
By continuing, you confirm that you understand this information and agree to take part.

THANK YOU TO OUR COLLABORATORS

Network of Bolivian Adoptees
The Network of Bolivian Adoptees (NOBA) has a mission to create space to share experiences in relation to Bolivia, adoption and to connect with other Bolivian adoptees in the world.
Instagram: @BolivianAdoptees
BolivianAdoptees.com

1931 Foundation
The 1931 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and exists to support Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity’s mission of the development of professional leaders through shared experiences and fostered lifelong brotherhood. Established in 2019, the Foundation is dedicated to developing an awareness rooted in the common values and traditions of Latin America.
Instagram: @1931Foundation
1931Foundation.org

Quechua Project
The Quechua Project (TQP) is about a movement. Language is a powerful factor in a people’s survival, and reversing the tide of American Indian language loss is a bold act of return. We are still here, and we see that a different kind of future is possible.
@QuechuaProject
ShanaInofuentes.com/Quechua-Project

Chris Bar Tech
Chris Bar Tech helps businesses establish their brand, evolve their online presence but more importantly achieve their goals. Our processes are designed to empower your brand and business with the marketing tools needed to succeed in today's social media world and future realities and universes.
Instagram: @ChrisBarrTech @BolivianBarCrawl
BarrTechMedia.com

Amigos Bolivianos
Amigos Bolivianos is a community-driven organization created to bring Bolivians together, celebrate our culture, and build meaningful connections wherever we are. From cultural events and community gatherings to collaborations and experiences across the country, our goal is simple: to keep Bolivia close to home, no matter where life takes us.
Instagram: @AmigosBolivianos

About Bolivian Adoptees USA

Through international adoption, many of us grew up separated from our country, culture, language, and fellow Bolivians. We believe by bringing adoptees together and connecting them with Bolivian cultural organizations, folkloric dance groups, community leaders, and the Bolivian American community, we are strengthening the Bolivian diaspora as a whole. Our work helps preserve Bolivian culture by ensuring that adoptees have opportunities to learn about their heritage, participate in cultural traditions, and build meaningful relationships within the broader community.

We believe a stronger diaspora is one that includes all Bolivians. By welcoming adoptees into the community and creating spaces for connection, cultural exchange, and belonging, we are helping ensure that an often-overlooked part of the Bolivian diaspora remains connected to its roots and contributes to the future of the community.

Instagram: @BolivianAdopteesUSA
Gmail: BolivianAdopteesUSA@GMail.com