Angelica began her career in afterschool while she was in college at the University of North Texas, earning her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She then began working for a local OST intermediary, Dallas Afterschool, where she was the Director of Advocacy, helping to increase access to afterschool programs for children across Dallas County. In 2018, Angelica was honored with the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders award by National Afterschool Association. 

“My most memorable afterschool moments come from when I was a frontline staff member and to now be in a role that allows me to work with different programs and agencies across the county to advocate for job quality in our field is unbelievable. I cannot wait to work with others to develop lasting strategies that strengthen the afterschool workforce.”  

“We are so fortunate to have someone with Angelica’s personal and professional experience leading this work for us,” said Gina Warner, NAA President and CEO. “Angelica is fully committed to our position, that the quality of the afterschool professional is the biggest factor impacting the quality of the afterschool experience a child receives. To be able to have her bring her sole focus to promoting this issue – in coordination with so many strong national partners - will allow NAA to impact and influence policy, research, and programmatic efforts to support our members and the work of the profession as a whole.” 

Angelica can be reached at angelica@naaweb.org.