David McCarty-Caplan, PhD, is a social work researcher, educator, and consultant dedicated to understanding the complexities of identity and belonging. Born in Colombia and adopted into a Jewish American family, David’s personal history ignited a professional mission to explore the often-overlooked experiences of adoptees of color within religious communities.

When he began his research, David discovered a significant gap in data regarding how transracial adoption and faith identities intersect. He founded Shades of Belonging to bridge this gap—moving beyond a single community to examine the universal challenges and triumphs of adoptees of color across diverse racial and religious landscapes. Today, his work provides the evidence-based insights and community-building tools necessary to ensure that every adoptee, regardless of their background, finds a true sense of belonging.