There are barely enough hours in the day for Elizabeth Brady Snyder to accomplish all that she sets for herself.

Snyder, 28, is a staff attorney for the New York State Mental Hygiene Legal Service in Utica who is involved in 20 professional affiliations and community organizations.

On top of that, she balances the demands of a hectic career.

The Utica resident, originally from West Winfield, has always been well-rounded from her high school and college days and juggles her career and community service to try and better her community.

“I feel I have a lot to give,” Snyder said. “Young people can have a lot of opportunities in this area.”

As a staff attorney for Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Snyder represents the mentally ill who live in facilities such as prisons, hospitals, nursing homes and other agencies.

“I wanted to help individuals and advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves,” she said.

Each member of the Snyder family is a lawyer, including her parents, Donald and Theresa, and siblings, Grace, John and Mary.

They were inspired by their grandfather who attended Albany Law School, but was forced to drop out after his father died to take care of his family.

“He taught us the importance of education,” Snyder said.

She is involved in organizations and affiliations including the Young Lawyers Section of the New York State Bar Association, Learning Disability Association of the Mohawk Valley, Notre Dame High School Mock Trial Attorney Coach and Utica College Alumni Association.

Meeting people and making connections is important to Snyder.

She said being involved in the community is crucial to ensure its young people are given the chance to succeed.

“The higher-ups have to be willing to give up the ranks a little bit and step aside so opportunities are open to young people,” she said.

Her brother, John Snyder, nominated her for the Accent on Excellence award because she has always been a hard worker even from her early school days.

“She is probably the most dedicated person I’ve ever known,” John said.

“She is involved in the number of groups 10 people would normally be involved in,” he said.

Snyder said she will continue to balance her professional life with community activities with the hope of making a difference.

“I feel everyone has the opportunity to give back,” Snyder said.

“I’m very grateful to this community — it’s a wonderful place,” she said.