Her Story
About Angela
Angela Weaver, LSW, is a College & Career Success Coach Manager at The Pittsburgh Promise, where she works to help Pittsburgh Public School students navigate the transition from high school into their next stage of life. She has been with The Pittsburgh Promise since 2020 and supports students in developing post-secondary plans that may include college, military service, trade school, or entering the workforce. Her work includes one-on-one coaching, college applications, financial aid and scholarship guidance, and campus visits. She is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their futures.
A licensed social worker, Angela brings a background in behavioral support, student advocacy, and strengths-based intervention to her work with students. Before joining The Pittsburgh Promise, she worked as a Behavior Specialist with Wesley Family Services and as an Assistant Behavioral Support Specialist with New Story School. Earlier in her career, she gained hands-on experience through the Boro Autism Support Initiative for Success at Edinboro University's Office for Students with Disabilities, where she supported students with areas including anger management, time management, social skills, and coping skills. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Individualized Studies from PennWest Edinboro and a Master of Social Work from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She has also begun a doctoral program in Education Leadership and Administration at Point Park University.
Angela's commitment to educational transitions is informed in part by her own experience as a first-generation college student and her desire to help students avoid some of the challenges that can arise when navigating the college process without adequate guidance. She attributes her success to the support of her parents, her ambition, and her resilience in finding ways through obstacles. Outside of her professional work, Angela has a deep passion for music, having participated in band and marching band and served as president of a music sorority during college. She also enjoys musical theater, anime, cosplay, video games, and reading. At the center of both her personal and professional life is a commitment to building connections and relationships and creating a supportive community around the people she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success in large part to the support and encouragement of my parents. They have always believed in me and supported my goals. I also recognize that I am naturally ambitious and resilient. When I encounter a barrier, I am willing to find a way around it or work through it rather than allowing it to stop me. That resilience and determination have helped me navigate challenges, pursue opportunities, and continue moving forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have always known that I have a passion for helping people. Throughout my life, I have often been the trusted confidant that friends turn to when they are facing challenges. Through those experiences, I discovered that my strengths align closely with my role as a College and Career Success Coach, where I support individuals as they navigate important decisions about higher education and their career paths. I find great fulfillment in providing guidance, resources, and encouragement, while making sure people have the support they need to confidently pursue and achieve their goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to seek out mentors, cultivate meaningful connections, and build strong, authentic relationships. Invest in your personal and professional growth, remain open to learning from others, and have confidence in your own abilities. The relationships and connections you build throughout your career can create opportunities, provide guidance, and help you grow both personally and professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my greatest goals is to advocate for equality and serve as a guiding light in the lives of others. I am especially passionate about supporting people during transitional periods, particularly within higher education, where I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate change in a smooth, informed, and supportive way. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I understand the challenges that can come with navigating unfamiliar systems and the uncertainty that often accompanies those experiences. That personal journey fuels my commitment to helping others understand the complexities of higher education and encouraging them to invest in themselves with confidence. I take pride in being a trusted resource who helps individuals overcome barriers, recognize their potential, and achieve their academic and personal aspirations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I place a great deal of value on making meaningful connections and building genuine relationships. My family is small, but my chosen family has become an incredibly important source of strength and support—my village. The relationships I have built throughout my life have opened doors, created opportunities, and placed me in many meaningful spaces. I believe that authentic connections, trust, and a strong sense of community are essential, both personally and professionally.
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