Stephanie Drenka

Stephanie Drenka is a Korean American adoptee, writer, photographer, and the co-founder and executive director of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society (DAAHS). She was born in South Korea and adopted by a white family in Chicago at the age of three months. Drenka's journey towards understanding her heritage began during her college years at DePaul University, where she studied Communication with minors in Asian American Studies and Women’s Studies. This academic background, coupled with personal experiences as a transracial adoptee, fueled her passion for documenting and preserving Asian American history.123

In March 2022, Drenka, alongside Denise Johnson, established the DAAHS to research, preserve, and highlight the contributions of Asian Americans in the Dallas area. The organization aims to amplify underrepresented stories and provide resources for individuals to archive their family histories. Drenka's motivation for founding the society was partly inspired by the rise in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to combat stereotypes and prejudice through education and historical awareness.123

Prior to her work with DAAHS, Drenka served as the communications director for Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, where she focused on addressing historical misconceptions and promoting racial equity. She is also the founding editor of VISIBLE Magazine, which highlights marginalized voices in media. Her writing and photography have been featured in prominent publications such as the Washington Post, Huffington Post, and Newsweek.234