Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney of the Civil Practice, was honored last night by the Martha Graham Dance Company for her longstanding work at The Legal Aid Society.

As the company, the oldest in the United States, approaches its 100th anniversary they have chosen to honor women who exemplify the pioneering spirit and iconic leadership of their founder.

Holder was recognized at a gala in New York City alongside fellow female trailblazers Dr. Donna Shalala and artist FKA Twigs.

Adriene Holder (center) with fellow honorees Dr. Donna Shalala and FKA Twigs

Adriene has devoted her entire professional career to challenging poverty and racial injustice for the advancement of equity. Adriene is responsible for managing the provision of comprehensive civil legal services through a network of neighborhood offices and specialized city-wide units serving all five boroughs of New York City.

In addition to her formal duties, Adriene also serves as a member of the New York State Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, is the Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Legal Aid, is a member of the New York State Bar Association President’s Committee on Access to Justice, is an executive board member for Housing Court Answers, and previously served as a Tenant Representative on the New York City Rent Guidelines Board. Adriene has also served as an adjunct professor at The New School and as a volunteer instructor at Columbia Law School.

Often called upon to work on Legal Aid’s legislative agenda, Adriene frequently testifies before legislative bodies on the city and state levels. She also is consulted on various legal and policy matters impacting low-income communities by the media, law schools, and policy or governmental agencies.

Congratulations to Adriene; see more photos from last night’s gala here.