Inside The Adoption Paradox: Featuring Author, Jean Kelly Widner

Inside The Adoption Paradox: Featuring Author, Jean Kelly Widner
Join Anna Sarkitova and author Jean Widener for a compelling conversation about Jean’s new book, The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption Into Perspective, which weaves original research with nearly 100 personal stories to reveal the lived realities of modern adoption.

Jean will discuss how her own adoptee experience continues to evolve, what she learned through in-depth interviews across the adoptee constellation, and how these stories challenge and reshape society’s assumptions about adoption. Drawing on her work as a writer, marketing entrepreneur, and community advocate, Jean brings energy, clarity, and bold insight—making this a must-attend event for anyone ready to engage more honestly with adoption’s complexities.

AAOM Speaker Series, hosted by Anna Sarkitova Presented by the Adoptee Advocates of Michigan (AAOM)
This interview is part of our speaker series hosted by Anna Sarkitova, international adoptee, advocate, and proud Adoptee Advocates of Michigan board member. In each session, Anna will sit down with powerful authors, community leaders, and changemakers who are advancing justice, visibility, and equity for adoptees and their families.

The AAOM Speaker Series is part of our grassroots fundraising campaign in support of our activism, community building, educational and legislative outreach where we work hard to bring adoptee voices directly to the people, families, and policymakers who need to hear them. As a volunteer-run organization, your support helps us compensate our speakers and sustain these vital conversations within the community.

Whether you are an adoptee, a member of the adoption constellation, or a passionate ally, this series is a great opportunity to stay informed, get inspired, and support the voices that too often go unheard in adoption.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Suggested donation: $10 (or more if you are able)
Get Tickets Here

Can’t donate? Come anyway- your presence matters.
We can’t wait to see you.
— The AAOM Team