Graduating senior Amanda Andrews has been named to OC Metro Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, published in the May issue. As the youngest woman recognized, Andrews is noted for her advocacy to eliminate human trafficking and as one of the most interesting and accomplished people younger than 40 in the Orange County area.

Andrews has been heavily involved in Biola’s Social Justice Ministry, even serving as president for one year. In October 2012, she led more than 400 students, faculty, staff and alumni in a 5K run/walk to raise money for human trafficking and prison ministry. The “Run for Micah 6:8” raised more than $11,000 toward Biola’s student-led Social Justice Ministry (SJM).

Before the November elections, Andrews and SJM advocated for Proposition 35, the Californians Against Sexual Exploitation Act. The ministry collected more than 400 signatures for the proposition.

Andrews was honored at a special “40 Under 40” event on May 16, 2013, at Newport Lexus in Newport Beach. Steve Churm, vice president of the Orange County Register and OC Metro, presented each honoree with an award.

Andrews shared her thoughts on the honor of making such a list.

What does it mean for you to be on this list? 

Upon hearing the news, my mentor in the Torrey Honors Institute (professor Henderson) noted, “This is just one more way you’re helping to bring attention to injustice.” I completely see this honor as that sort of opportunity, an opportunity to shine light into darkness. I’m so thankful to be featured, but I’m also very excited that this article can be used to further the fight against modern day slavery. 

Exposing slavery is powerful. Frederick Douglass, a runaway slave and abolitionist in America during the 1800s, speaks of this power —“I expose slavery in this country, because to expose it is to kill it. Slavery is one of those monsters of darkness to whom the light of truth is death. Expose slavery, and it dies.” Being named to this list is an incredible opportunity in my efforts to expose modern-day slavery. 

How does being named as one of the “40 under 40” in Orange County impact and encourage your ministry in social justice?

As if I didn’t have enough passion burning for the abolition of modern-day slavery, this is one of those moments that really fans the flame! Being named to this list confirms what I’ve been learning about passion, excellence and servitude. As a servant and representative of Christ, I put my best foot forward. I view my academic, personal and professional goals as opportunities to serve Christ and others. Knowing that I represent Christ in my work, I desire to serve with excellence. Being named to this list is such an encouragement in that endeavor! 

What were your thoughts when you first found out you were going to be recognized on the list? 

God is at work. The opportunities he has put on my path continually blow me away. I never imagined that by 22, I would already have this much opportunity for impact. A couple fun examples include starring in a music video to raise awareness on trafficking, and taking a job in Washington, D.C., that ended up including legislative work in Cameroon, Africa. Expected? Definitely not. Being recognized on this list is yet another example of being amazed by the opportunities that God gives for impact. 

You’re the youngest woman on the list. What do you hope to accomplish by age 40? 

With a passion for justice and God-given rights, I hope to serve others through law and public policy. The issue of human trafficking is incredibly complex, and I would love to dedicate my professional career to this area. By 40, I hope to apply my degree in law to both the courtroom and legislation. As an analytical person, I think in terms of systems and strategic approaches. I like the analogy of an overflowing bucket under a running faucet. Instead of attempting to drain the bucket with a spoon, I turn off the faucet. Using a spoon addresses the problem of overrunning water, but ignores its source. I see policy work as a means to implement widespread change — as a way to “turn off the faucet” and cut at the source of issues. 

While I set goals, I also know that some of the most powerful and unique opportunities in my life have usually been unexpected. God has shown me that when I am faithful in my work and desire to serve, he opens doors for me to accomplish this. With this in mind, I know that even my most well developed strategies and goals must be flexible.  

View the digital copy of the "40 Under 40" issue. Andrews is featured on page 32.

Written by Brenda Velasco, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Internal Communications. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.