Amanda Bakay grew up as the daughter of a single mother who worked a manufacturing job in Lancaster, and often had to work a second job to make ends meet. This formative experience allowed her to see firsthand how systems often didn’t work for the most vulnerable members of the community.
She went on to graduate with a B.A. in History and Political Science from Mansfield University. After spending a decade in the banking industry, and realizing that she wanted to make a larger impact with her work, she moved to the non-profit sector as the Director of Programs at the Lancaster Science Factory. Her work today ensures that thousands of Lancaster’s children are able to have access to quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
Amanda lives in Lancaster’s Southwest neighborhood and has served on City Council since January 2020. During this time she has supported legislation that improves the health and safety of the city’s housing and protects children from irreversible lead poisoning. She advocated for a $10M investment in affordable housing, the adoption of the Vision Zero Plan, and capital improvements to crucial infrastructure. Amanda became President of City Council in November 2022.
Outside of her work on Council, Amanda services on the boards of the Lancaster Recreation Commission, the Lancaster Office of Promotion, and is the Vice Chair of the Board of the Central Market Trust.
