Each year, the Women's Division Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Chesapeake honors remarkable women who have positively impacted the local community--from successful entrepreneurs and inspiring educators to selfless philanthropists. In February, the WDHRCCC's 55th Annual Banquet honored Chesapeake Council Member Amanda Newins as Chesapeake's Woman of the Year and Ann Myers as its Lifetime Member Honoree.

Amanda Newins was chosen as Woman of the Year because of her lifelong commitment to justice, compassion, and community service. Growing up in the Green Run section of Virginia Beach, Amanda came from a non-traditional family of modest means. When college costs seemed out of reach, Amanda wasn't deterred. Unafraid of hard work, she started her first job as soon as possible to pay her way through college.

While working on her double major in Mathematics and Justice Studies at James Madison University, Amanda had a serendipitous opportunity to be a 911 dispatcher in a twist that only fate could provide. "I saw an ad for 911 dispatch positions, and I thought, 'I would love to be that voice for someone else!'" And so, she did. Amanda dedicatedly worked her dispatch position but found it had its drawbacks. "I felt like I always heard the beginning of a situation and never the ending," she explains. "I never knew what happened with the people I helped. It left me feeling like I couldn't help enough, so I later decided to intern at a local commonwealth attorney"s office and loved it! That's when I knew 'this was what I want to do. I want to be a lawyer!'" She then pursued and earned her law degree from Regent University.

Amanda put down permanent roots in Chesapeake while attending law school. Her husband, Brandon, is a firefighter and paramedic with the City of Chesapeake. Brandon and Amanda are members of Kempsville Christian Church, which Amanda has attended since she was a child.

With an impressive background as a former prosecutor, Amanda now serves as a defense attorney, committed to ensuring fair representation for her clients. Her altruistic nature shines through as she generously donates her time and expertise to pro bono work, advocating for those who cannot afford legal counsel.

But Amanda's contributions extend beyond the courtroom. She actively volunteers and serves on many boards for local service organizations, lending a helping hand to those in need. "€œI have met people who have absolutely nothing, and it hit home to me,"€ Amanda says. “I could see myself in a lot of these children, and it moved me to want to give back."

Her compassion is not limited to humans alone. An avid animal lover, she and her husband foster dogs and cats to help find them "forever homes." Over the last five years, they've fostered over 30 dogs and 20 cats, providing them with the love and care they deserve.

Amanda's commitment to making a positive impact on her community is undeniable, as evidenced by her recent election to the City Council.  This fresh new face on Chesapeake City Council is passionate about serving all of the city's citizens.
 

“Service begins with listening,"€ she says. "I am committed to listening to all of our citizens, no matter their zip code. Integrity is key. I believe in doing what"s right, even when no one is watching. As a public servant, I'm committed to putting service above myself. The people I serve come before my own interests. And I never judge a book by its cover. I work to understand and respect all people and their circumstances. I am not a politician; I am a public servant."€

Amanda's commitment to helping others is evidenced in her reaction to being named Chesapeake's 2024 Woman of the Year. "€œI am humbled and honored to be recognized,"€ Amanda says. "It is my prayer that sharing my journey will inspire others. Never allow your circumstances to define you; instead, let them be the catalyst for your greatest triumphs."