Mitigation Specialist Elizabeth Vartkessian with The Deserving

For readers of Just Mercy and The New Jim Crow, let us introduce a groundbreaking new take on the American justice system from one of its unknown “mercy workers,” mitigation specialist Elizabeth Vartkessian. In The Deserving, she offers a powerful new vision of responsibility and repair for those condemned and incarcerated. In an era of dangerous rollbacks and record-high executions, The Deserving is an inspiring argument for true rehabilitation replacing retribution. Come meet Vartkessian and learn more about her work. Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (note the slightly later start time), in conversation with Carla Crowder, Executive Director of Alabama Appleseed.