August 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Adoption Association receives 2025 Power of Associations Summit Award for the Ujima Collective

LINTHICUM, MD — The National Adoption Association (NAA) has been recognized with a 2025 Power of Associations Summit Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its successful Ujima Collective, a national systems change program.

The Ujima Collective is a national network of leaders improving workforce access, economic mobility, and family connections for youth involved in the foster care system by applying African-centered principles. The program provides immersive training, peer-led advocacy, and technical assistance to support families most impacted by the foster care system. At its core, the Ujima Collective is a workforce training program that goes beyond skill development. It deepens child welfare professionals’ understanding of the importance of family connections as essential to family and community well-being.

Research shows that families experiencing poverty are far more likely to be reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) than families with greater resources. National data indicates that more than 339,000 youth are currently in the U.S. foster care system, with poverty-related issues driving many of these outcomes. While Ujima cannot serve all youth and families connected to the foster care system, the Collective has reached thousands through its systems change efforts and workforce support. This is critical because youth — especially teens exiting foster care — face greater challenges, risks, and instability. Instability in housing, healthcare, and family connections creates barriers to achieving economic mobility. With poverty as a central factor in foster care involvement, the Ujima Collective is working to break the cycle and promote lasting family and community well-being.

“Congratulations to the National Adoption Association for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always incredibly satisfying to see associations go above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”

“Our team is deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Kamilah Bunn, Chief Executive Officer of the National Adoption Association. “Children are truly the future. The Ujima Collective embodies the kind of bold work that moves society forward. This award affirms the power of community, culture, and advocacy to transform systems, so families stay together.”

To learn more about the National Adoption Association, visit www.adoptnaa.org  

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ruth Song, Chief Strategy Officer
202-520-8376
rsong@adoptnaa.org

About National Adoption Association

The National Adoption Association (NAA) is the only national nonprofit exclusively supporting professionals working to ensure every child in foster care has a permanent, loving family. NAA provides continuing education and credentialing to over 500 adoption workers annually, while also leading major national initiatives including AdoptUSKids, the Ujima Collective, and the National Opportunity Youth Workforce Development Initiative. Learn more at www.adoptnaa.org

About the Power of Associations Awards

ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the association community’s economic and societal contributions locally, nationally, and globally. ASAE will celebrate the Power of Associations Award recipients during its annual Summit Awards Dinner on September 25, 2025, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.

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