Former Aldine ISD Student Runs for Houston City Council

Amanda K. Edwards is a graduate from Eisenhower High School. The attorney is running for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 4. This is an open seat race to succeed Council Member C.O. “Brad” Bradford, who is term limited and cannot run again.

Edwards’ passion for community building began at an early age. She lost her father to cancer as a teenager. His battle opened her eyes to serious policy deficiencies in the U.S. health care system. This inspired her to effect change by empowering her community.

“My focus is on improving Houston’s aging infrastructure and transportation system,” Edwards said. “I want to strengthen our economy and the city’s fiscal health, protect public safety, and improve quality of life for all Houstonians.“

The Aldine ISD student earned a degree in political science from Emory University in Atlanta. Edwards also received a J.D. from Harvard Law School. At Harvard she served as a Criminal Justice Institute student attorney. She also chaired the Harvard Black Law Students Association’s Annual Spring Conference.

Accolades

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Emory Academic Excellence Awards[/li] [li] Induction into Emory Hall of Fame[/li][/ul] [ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Elaine Osborne Jacobson Award for her work with underserved populations in healthcare law[/li][/ul]

While in Atlanta, Edwards gained valuable community building and public policy experience. She worked in community development corporations and in the Georgia State Legislature. She also gained experience in Washington, D.C. while working for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Compelled by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Edwards relocated to New Orleans. She served as a judicial law clerk for Federal District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle. In her desire to inspire young people, she founded a writing project. The project taught youth how to be effective advocates. They learned how to bring about positive change to their community through the power of writing.

Edwards gained valuable public service experience in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and New Orleans. She is adept on how to effect change through urban policy and collaboration.

Once again in her native city, Edwards continues to make a difference in her community. She has served as President of the Board of Directors for Project Row Houses in the Historical Third Ward community. Edwards has also served on many committees and civic boards, including the following:

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Texas Lyceum[/li] [li]Crisis Intervention of Houston [/li][/ul] [ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Texas One Voice: A Health and Human Services Collaborative[/li] [li]Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals [/li][/ul]

Edwards is a graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future Business/Civic Leadership Forum. She is also an alumna of Leadership Houston and United Way’s Project Blueprint.

She currently practices law at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Bracewell & Giuliani LLP in Houston. Edwards solves complex issues relating to tax-exempt bond financings and public-private partnerships. She also works with community development projects and nonprofit organizations.

Edward’s [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]trajectory toward public service has not gone unnoticed. The Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce named Edwards one of the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Five Outstanding Young Houstonians in 2013.

“I am passionate about building communities through public service,” Edwards said. “Houston faces critical challenges and key opportunities, and I am running for City Council to be part of long-term solutions that will move all of Houston forward.“

Edwards resides in Midtown and attends St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes.