This biography is reprinted in full with permission from the National Women’s History Museum (United States of America).
Born: Unknown (circa 1960), United States (assumed)
Died: 8 February 2007
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
Amy was a committed feminist and an advocate for women, children, the poor, and the elderly. As a member of the second class of women admitted to Amherst College in 1977, Amy was thrust into the turbulent early days of coeducation. She lost no time in becoming an outspoken advocate on campus, speaking up about the rights of female students and the negative influence of fraternities on campus. (Frats were eventually banned at the college in 1985.) She also integrated her social and political beliefs with her studies by writing a feminist thesis about mothers and daughters. After her graduation from Amherst, Amy traveled to Oklahoma to work door-to-door on the passage of the state Equal Rights Amendment. She went without friends or family, and every day was confronted with people who were angry and hostile about the ERA. But, as it did on so many occasions in her life, Amy’s conviction and passion carried her through. Amy earned a law degree at Cornell University and used this credential to pursue her commitment to issues of social justice. As an attorney at Legal Aid, Amy helped clients fight for basic needs such as food stamps and housing. In her subsequent role as a senior attorney at the California Attorney General’s Office, Amy specialized in combating the abuse of the elderly in nursing homes. She later joined the AG’s legal team focused on litigating against Big Tobacco. Amy became a nationally renowned expert in opposing the marketing of cigarettes to children and teens.