The Deserving Book Talk – with Liz Vartkessian
Join Elizabeth Vartkessian to discuss her new book, The Deserving, and the role we all play in creating a more humane and just world. Founder and director of nonprofit mitigation team Advancing Real Change, Inc., Dr. Vartkessian works with criminal defense teams as a mitigation specialist. She isn’t part of the Innocence Project; her clients are often legally guilty of terrible crimes. Rather, her job is to spend many hours per case talking to parents, siblings, teachers, and neighbors of a defendant, situating their crimes in context. Vartkessian weaves powerful, gripping stories from her extraordinary career into an inspiring argument for dignity in American justice. Use the QR code – on posted flyer ~~ RSVPs appreciated but not required. Sponsored by St. Mark’s and the Capitol Hill Incarceration Group. Email incarcerationjustice@stmarks.net
May 12, 2026, 7pm | St. Mark’s Capitol Hill Baxter Hall