YAF Executive Director, Michele Scavongelli, honored with Pro Bono Publico Award at Mass Bar Access to Justice Awards

We are so happy to share our congratulations to YAF Executive Director and EdLaw Senior Counsel, Michele Scavongelli, on receiving the Pro Bono Publico Award at last night’s Massachusetts Bar Access to Justice Awards Celebration!

For over 12 years, Michele has been a fierce advocate for education equity—representing more than 200 families in school discipline and special education cases. Her leadership has been instrumental in building EdLaw’s pro bono panel, and she has trained hundreds of delinquency, child welfare, firm, and in-house attorneys—as well as parent and community groups—on special education advocacy and school discipline rights.

She also launched a statewide special education mentoring network to support attorneys who serve youth across the Commonwealth. Through her tireless work at EdLaw and YAF, Michele is helping dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, ensuring that all court-involved and at-risk students have access to expert educational advocacy and community-based services.

This award recognizes Michele’s unwavering dedication to justice, children, and families across Massachusetts. We can not think of anyone more deserving of this award and are honored to celebrate her impact!

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