Meet Forest Shipp: NCPT Volunteer Spotlight
Photos courtesy of Forest.
By Nanchang Project
As the Adoptee Support Team Lead and a key contributor to our Social Media Content Creation Team, Forest Shipp brings creativity, empathy, and authenticity to every corner of the Nanchang Project. From crafting thoughtful graphics to leading with heart in adoptee spaces, Forest plays a vital role in making our mission more vibrant and personal.
Outside of work, Forest is a passionate explorer of the world – through food, hikes, books, music, games, and cuddles with his adopted cat, Raf. Forest’s story is one of creativity, connection, and quiet strength – and we’re lucky to have him as part of the Nanchang Project family.
In this post, Forest opens up about what drew him to the Nanchang Project, the inspiration behind his work, and the passions that fuel his creativity. Whether you're interested in the impact he’s had or just want to see the imaginative force behind our designs, we’re excited to share more of Forest’s story with you.
Name
Forest Shipp
What is your current role with Nanchang Project?
Adoptee Support Team Lead + Social Media Content Creation Team Member
Why did you join Nanchang Project?
I joined Nanchang Project for three reasons. First, I was curious about my heritage and culture. Second, I wanted to meet people who have gone through similar experiences as I have. Third, giving back to others is always a rewarding experience and one of my favorite pastimes.
Tell us about yourself! (School/work, family, pets, hobbies, etc.)
I graduated from university in 2022 with a Bachelor's in Graphic Design. I've held a variety of positions, including junior graphic designer, marketing director, marketing communications specialist, photographer, email designer, web designer, and more.
Currently, I am a Freelance Graphic Designer (That's just a fancy way of saying I'm unemployed). I do it all—from flyers to social media content, pamphlets, newsletters, web editing, animation, and video creation. You can check out more on forestshipp.com. Shameless plug, I know.
I currently have a little one at home—Raf, short for Rafael. He was one of the stray cats I fed, and since he stuck around the most (and was still a kitten), I decided to adopt him. He’s an anxious and shy baby who sometimes runs away from me, but that’s okay. I still love him. He's such a cute weirdo.
I love trying new things, eating delicious food, hiking, playing video games, hanging out with friends, refining my craft, working on passion projects, reading, listening to music, petting huskies, exploring new places, watching basketball or football, and working out.
What's a fun fact about you that many people don't know?
I’m deaf! Surprise. I have bilateral microtia—essentially, my ears never fully developed, so they look like little stumps. I call them tree stumps. I have titanium abutments embedded on both sides of my head, and my hearing aids attach to them, allowing me to hear through bone conduction.
Not really a fun fact, I guess—just a fact. But I don’t usually tell people outright; I typically let them figure it out on their own. It’s always funny when someone who’s known me for a while suddenly realizes and goes, "Wait, you’re deaf?!"
A more fun fact: I host art contests on Instagram at @professional_deaf_asian—so stop by, check out some art, and participate!
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
I want to see the Redwoods—massive, ancient trees that make you feel tiny. So, somewhere in Oregon or California would be perfect for that.
Either that or Alaska. I love the cold and would love to try dog sledding.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Does it have to be the exact same meal every day, or can I switch up the toppings and sauces?
If it has to be identical, then maybe ramen or pho. But if I can change the toppings or fillings, then definitely sushi, dumplings, or lo mein. I just like food. If it's edible, I'll be there.
Where did you grow up?
Saint Louis, Missouri.
How do you connect with your Chinese heritage?
Mainly through festivals. St. Louis does a great job of hosting different cultural events. For example, the Botanical Garden has an annual Chinese Cultural Days weekend, featuring Chinese food vendors, music and dance performances, sculptures, and unique plant life.
Another way I connect with my heritage is through my adoption documents. I love history—whether it's my own or global history. It's always fascinating to explore my existence and how my path has unfolded over the years.
Has any specific project or contribution during your volunteer work with the Nanchang Project been particularly meaningful or impactful to you?
I can’t talk about the project I’m currently working on since it hasn’t been publicly announced yet, but it has been incredibly exciting to develop. It’s definitely taken a lot of effort to pull together, but I believe in its potential and hope it turns into what I envision. I know it will make a meaningful impact on other Chinese adoptees, and that alone makes all the work worth it. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Stay tuned for future volunteer spotlights and meet the rest of the team here.
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