Her Story
About Angela
Angela C. Gifford is the Executive Director of Village of Hope CDA in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she serves as the organization’s first paid executive director. In this role, she leads fundraising initiatives and oversees programs that provide prevention classes, beds, mattresses, tutoring, diapers, and other essential resources to support foster families and social workers. Her work is centered on strengthening families, preventing separation whenever possible, and helping transform the foster care experience for children.
Prior to joining Village of Hope CDA, Angela spent nearly 30 years serving in ministry roles on church staffs, where she developed extensive experience in leadership, team building, volunteer recruitment, program development, and community engagement. Her background has equipped her with the skills to build strong teams, cultivate partnerships, and lead initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable children and families. She is also actively involved with the Strengthening Families Coalition, a network of local nonprofit leaders dedicated to improving support systems for families in the community.
Angela earned a Bachelor of Science in Theology and Cultural Engagement from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit, Public, and Organizational Management through Grand Canyon University. She is further developing her expertise in fundraising, business operations, and policy influence to advance her organization’s mission. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Angela volunteers with her church’s community engagement team and teaches Sunday school to kindergarten through second-grade students, reflecting her continued commitment to serving children, families, and the broader community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity, faith, and a willingness to pursue opportunities even when I do not yet know exactly how they will unfold. I have learned to believe in the importance of making the ask, including when the goal feels ambitious or difficult, and to approach challenges with what I consider a healthy sense of determination and optimism. My faith plays an important role in my life, and I rely heavily on prayer for guidance and strength. I also do not take “no” as a final answer easily; instead, I remain persistent, continue seeking solutions, and trust that perseverance can open doors that may not have been immediately visible.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nonprofit and community leadership field is to take the time to address and work through their own personal experiences and trauma. Everyone carries something, whether it is significant or seemingly small, and understanding what is happening within yourself is essential to becoming a strong and effective leader. I encourage women to become comfortable sitting with their emotions, processing difficult experiences, and developing emotional awareness, because this work can be deeply personal and emotionally demanding. The more grounded and self-aware you are, the better equipped you will be to support others, navigate challenges, and lead with compassion and resilience.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been navigating environments where women, particularly women in ministry and leadership, are not always treated equitably or given the same opportunities to lead. My personal journey has also included significant challenges, including making a career transition during a difficult season of life. At the same time, these experiences have created opportunities for growth, reinvention, and greater impact. Stepping into a new and significant role while navigating personal change has required me to continually pick myself up, dust myself off, and pivot. I believe that resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities are essential for overcoming challenges and continuing to move forward.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are dignity, compassion, and the belief that every individual has inherent value and worth because they are created in the image of God. Regardless of a person’s lifestyle, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or life circumstances, I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and has the potential for restoration. This includes both those who have experienced abuse and those who have caused harm. Though compassion does not necessarily remove one's consequences, it does open the door for the restoration of a soul. These beliefs are at the heart of my work and are reflected in our tagline: “Every child. Every family. Every life. Valued.”
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