Angela Shute-Woodson

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

Senior Advisor, Community and Government Affairs, to the Honorable Justin Bibb Mayor, City of Cleveland Director, Community Relations, City of Cleveland

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio

EDUCATION:

• BA, Clarion University of PA

• MA, Florida Atlantic University-West Palm

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

I am a diehard on voter education and mobilization of voters. Working closely with Ohio Unity and NAACP, Cleveland Branch.

MY MANTRA…

To work hard but stay humble.

Two. Ms. Sylvia Stewart from Cleveland Heights High who helped me late after school to prepare for college and encouraged me to go to college. The late Dr. Robert Girvan aka Dr. G of Clarion University head of Sociology and Psychology who amazed me about his civil rights fight and taught me how to apply the book of knowledge as well as formulas to help people. Many others had impact. It is and was an entire "village" to help pour into me for me to be who I am today.

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

First being a union steward for OCSEA/AFSCME.

Second, being the Manager of the SBE/MBE/WBE program for the Cuyahoga County for 11 years.

Third, Director of Faith Based and Community Initiatives for the Governor of Ohio. And last but not least, my current position. I mention the four because as a woman it is hard for us to get in "any" leadership position. Especially in positions that are dominated by men. It at times looks easy but it is not. I realize with every position I get I am setting the tone for the next women to fill my shoes or to stand on my shoulders as they move the bar up higher. And that is a privilege and humbling to know.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

Through my own spirituality and realizing day to day the work is bigger than me. I recognize that there is a melting pot of diversity that I have to bring along in this work. That is what feeds my passion to get up every day, put on my body armor to handle whatever tasks are in front me. The other piece to this is recognizing the sacrifices of those before me. Someone made a way for me. And there I have to continue to make a way for the next. This younger generation is so brilliant and it is my motivation to make sure the brilliance is seen and heard.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

I had to step away from an exciting business opportunity that really would position me and the salary was excellent. I decided how much time it would consume of me and would I really be happy at this. After doing some soul searching, talking with mentors and family, I decided not to take the opportunity and to listen more to my G & G: My gut and God.

PHILOSOPHY

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

Remember what "TEAM" means and apply it! You have to check in with your co-workers, your employees just to see if they are "ok." Mind, body and spirit are everything. I work hard to make sure I am checking in with staff. And work hard to have uplift days where we kick back relax, enjoy / have social conversations. Also, staff knows I am not above the work. If they need help passing out items, then I pass out items. If they need help moving something, I move it with them. Together Everyone Achieves More really does work if you apply it and realize as a leader you are also a part of the TEAM.

What have you come to learn about success? Success does not come easy. It comes with a lot of trials and errors. Learning from your errors to not repeat them. And to know right away there are a lot of scarifies to success. Own that up front.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

I have learned to tone down my workaholic mindset. That you can find yourself physically ill if you are not taking care of you. You have to take time out to enjoy the little things, or to just find something you love to do. Making time for what you love to do and don't feel guilty about that. In addition to this I remember whatever I am working on will be there when I get back. It is hard to do but once you get in a pattern of it is ok to take time out for you and the greater good is you come back to do more work with more energy. For me my mind is now in a good place.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy? The people my department and I serve. It feels good to see results. To see people receiving their services, or joy out of information/event. My staff, seeing how they were able to help a resident or complete a project that was challenging. This gives me joy to see their joy.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

To be a thoughtful listener. I was once taught you don't want to just "hear" people where it goes in one ear and out the other. You want to "listen" to people. This is where you digest and process what is really being said. I made a huge mistake one time professionally just hearing someone. And in the end it did not benefit anyone. I work hard to listen to what people have to say. Even take notes on what they are saying if needed.

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is…

Anywhere in the Virgin Islands. St. Croix or St. Thomas