Angela Stepancic Hometown: Chicago, IL Current: Washington, DC College: Georgetown Univ.
Principal/Educational Activist
Family is from Istria, Croatia
As an educational leader in Washington, DC, Angela B. Stepancic opened two schools which targeted under-served and marginalized communities, one an all-girls middle school in Anacostia, the other an alternative school for Opportunity Youth. Engaging these challenging populations requires expertise in empathy and innovation and also demands adaptive and supportive leadership.
Angela’s vantage point as the child of a Croatian immigrant and black woman placed her at the fulcrum of two polarizing struggles in America – Civil Rights and Immigration. Both of her parents prioritized education and compassion for others and it led her to a career in education, working with communities who are under-resourced and over-looked. For the past sixteen years, she has been a school leader in Washington, DC, working with black and immigrant communities, improving access to education and citizenship.
During her tenure as a principal, Angela retained approximately 93% of my staff each year. Old teachers and new teachers alike remained committed to the school due to her focus on their professional development and growth. This investment in human capital has become a cornerstone of her leadership. Angela is committed to reimagining schools, increasing equity from the inside out.
Through this design focus, Angela believes that schools should work from and through the margins to influence the center of education and permanently alter academic norms. Twelve years in leadership and incubation were not easy, but the support of various fellowships, organizations, and partnerships made success much more attainable. Her career was built on relationships, honesty, and feedback. As she moves from executive leadership and into educational design and leadership coaching, this trend continues, cultivating partnerships of introspection and personal growth that lead to innovative schools, a dynamic staff, and engaged students.
Everyone who knows Angela finds out quick she’s a proud Istrianka who loves to share aspects of Croatian and Istrian culture, heritage and history with all her American friends.The village Stepancic started the line of her my family which continues to thrive in Nedescina, in the township of Sveta Nedelja, near Labin and Pula.
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As a longstanding partner, NFCACF is kicking off its Special Olympics Fundraiser to support our special Croatian athletes. We are excited to share a generous donor is matching every dollar raised, up to $10,000, for all donations made through November 15th!
