ADL Mountain States Region Board Member Leslie Karotkin shares her passions for philanthropy, education, justice, and the Anti-Defamation League.

How did you first become involved in ADL? How are you involved now?

My maternal grandparents were very involved with ADL and B’nai B’rith (locally in Texas and internationally), and so I feel that I have been aware of the organization for most of my life.  I personally became involved a couple of years after moving to Denver when I was seeking community leadership opportunities and the ADL’s Young Leadership Program (now Sturm Fellows) was my initial introduction. Right now, I’m involved with the ADL’s Law Enforcement Committee and the Education Committee.

What do you do in your professional life?

I am a consultant working with families and foundations on philanthropic planning and community engagement.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Like everyone, I had several ideas of what I wanted to be with possibilities ranging from a dancer to a movie star and even an architect for a short time, and then in my early twenties I wanted to be a pastry chef. Yet I have followed a very different path in real life!

Where were you born? From where do your ancestors hail?

I am from Austin, Texas and most of my ancestors immigrated to the United States up to four generations ago from Russia, Germany, and Lithuania.

What’s your favorite holiday?

My favorites are Passover and Thanksgiving. For me, it is all about the traditional foods and the rituals being shared together.

What’s your favorite food?

I can narrow to sushi and anything chocolate.

What are you reading?

I recently finished A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. It’s a tale of Jewish refugees in Italy during World War II.

What’s a special place you have visited?

I have loved most everywhere I have traveled and regret not having capitalized on more opportunities to see the world.  Israel, specifically Jerusalem and encountering just how significant the wall and surrounding areas are to Jews, Christians and Muslims, was quite special to experience.

What’s one thing every person should know or experience?

The tastes, sights and wonders of other cities, countries and cultures.

What teacher or class stands out to you the most in your education and why?

During my freshman year of college at the University of Texas, I took an American History class that focused on the time between 1929 and 1945. The required reading was not a textbook, but rather several classic novels set in the period by authors such as Steinbeck and Hemingway. I remember thinking I would have been a much better student if all my classes had reading like that rather than dry textbooks.

What are you passionate about personally? What can’t you stop talking about?

I created my consulting practice based on my passion for philanthropy and getting people engaged in their community.  I believe it’s much more than just writing a check. The money was hard-earned, so wouldn’t it be rewarding to get involved and see the impact that the intention and support can make?!

Where can we find you when you’re not working?

Hiking and relishing in the great Colorado weather with my dog Scarlet, or enjoying dinner and drinks with friends.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

Chocolate.

If you had to teach something, what would you teach?

I would teach dancing to children.

Why do you choose to make a financial investment in ADL?

I support ADL because the mission “to secure justice for all” inspires me.  I continue to be amazed by the work of the League, especially the proactive programs in education and law enforcement.  The ongoing focus to educate and change perceptions and behaviors is so important for the function of today’s society.

Complete this sentence: For me, the ADL is …

… as relevant today as when the organization was founded. The Anti-Defamation League is vital to fighting the good fight, and to leading the way for defending those in need and securing justice for everyone.