Wendi Adelson: A Life Marked by Tragedy and Advocacy

Wendi Adelson is an accomplished attorney, child advocate, and university professor whose professional reputation belies the intense personal tragedy that has defined much of her public profile. Born and raised in Coral Springs, Florida, she graduated from Brandeis University before completing her master’s in international relations at Cambridge and her J.D. at the University of Miami. After a prestigious start at Harvard Law and early service as a federal clerk, Wendi Adelson joined Florida State University as a clinical professor. Known for her advocacy work—particularly in immigration and child welfare—Adelson has combined scholarly pursuits with hands-on legal practice and nonprofit leadership .