Amanda Lyons, a New York City attorney, has been awarded the Root Stimson Award by the New York State Bar Association for her work supporting children and families in need, particularly in Brooklyn.
Lyons, who serves as managing attorney at Hach Rose Schirripa and Cheverie, rose to that role after starting as a paralegal and attending law school at night. Her commitment to community service deepened with the onset of the pandemic when she organized drives to provide food and essential supplies across city neighborhoods.
“Her dedication to community service increased when the pandemic hit in 2020,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “She was the driving force behind collecting food and other supplies for food pantries in New York City. When she learned many pantries were closed, she started her own pop-up distribution sites on the sidewalks of different New York City neighborhoods.”
Lyons’ initial outreach efforts grew into Amanda Donates, a nonprofit that now supports a Brooklyn school community with holiday meals, gifts and additional resources for students.
Maria Interlandi, principal of one of the Brooklyn schools served by the organization, noted that Lyons’ contributions bring “renewal and hope” to students and their families.
“To see someone so dedicated to bettering the lives of others, especially children, is heartwarming and refreshing. Amanda has singlehandedly brought a sense of renewal and hope to our school community,” Interlandi said.
The New York State Bar Association will formally present the award to Lyons on Nov. 2 at a meeting of its House of Delegates in Albany.
