Edie Adelman Political Awareness Lecture Series

About Edie Adelman

The Edie Adelman Political Awareness Endowment Fund is a tribute to Edie’s commitment to both the empowerment of women and the responsibility to be informed citizens. The Fund and lecture series are organized by Women’s Philanthropy of Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

In 2023, the Edie Adelman Political Lecture series was presented in two parts. March’s event focused on Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence with the help of our partner Sojourner Family Peace Center. Our May event focused on Mental Health Awareness in partnership with NAMI. We hope the information shared during these events provides you with valuable information to serve as an advocate for those impacted by these issues in our community and within your personal circles.

Part One: Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence

Women’s Philanthropy is proud to be sponsoring the annual Edie Adelman Political Awareness Lecture Series. This year, we welcome Sojourner Family Peace Center to discuss how to create awareness for and support survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. We’ll also be highlighting existing support resources offered by Jewish Family Services.

Keynote Speaker: Andria De Toro

Andria graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a BA in psychology, then attended UW-Madison School of Law. After practicing law privately, Andria took a position with then Sojourner Truth House as an advocate in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. Following that, Andria was the Coordinator of the Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Several years later, Andria returned to Sojourner Family Peace Center where she currently works out of suburban police departments as a high-risk advocate, working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Andria lives in Fox Point with her two sons, Cameron, 20 and Alex, 17.

Part Two: Supporting Mental Illness During Mental Health Awareness Month

Women’s Philanthropy welcomes Dr. Bethany LoPresti to present Mental Health Through the Lens of Lived Experience and discuss how to create awareness for and support people living with mental illness. We’ll also participate in interactive mindfulness exercises, as well as learn more about existing local mental health resources offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Jewish Family Services, Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, and Growing Minds.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bethany LoPresti

Dr. Bethany LoPresti is the Executive Director of Behavioral Health for Froedtert Hospital where she works closely with system and community partners to improve access to quality behavioral health care in our community. She is proud to serve on the Board of Directors for NAMI of Southeastern Wisconsin, helping to bring about awareness and advocacy of mental health, as well as breaking down the stigma associated with the treatment of mental health. Dr. LoPresti is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Psychiatry, specializing in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. She lives with her family in Wauwatosa and enjoys entertaining, hiking, reading, and traveling. 

Women’s Philanthropy Leadership

If you have questions about the Edie Adelman Political Awareness Lecture Series, please contact Melissa Taylor at MelissaT@MilwaukeeJewish.org or 414-390-5739.