Angela Cleveland
Empowering Teams. Advancing Missions. Delivering Results
About Me
As a Senior Program Manager and certified PMP and CSM, I specialize in leading mission-driven projects across government and global development sectors. I bring over a decade of experience aligning strategy with execution, from staffing and performance management to professional development and diversity integration. Whether supporting USAID initiatives or innovating in workforce and STEM education, I bring a collaborative mindset and a track record of results that move missions forward.
Foundations of Purpose
Helping Others, One Story at a Time
From a young age, I was drawn to the power of communication and connection. Whether pretending to be a hand model in commercials or reading to my toys as a "librarian," I always knew I wanted to help others. That early curiosity rooted in storytelling, visibility, and support became the spark for a career committed to impact.
K–12 Impact: The Heart of My Why
15 Years of School Counseling, Innovation, and Advocacy
As a school counselor, I had the honor of working directly with students and families, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate growth. But when I faced barriers like lack of resources, time constraints, and administrative advocacy, I turned to technology. And everything changed. I became an international voice in EdTech for school counselors, co-authoring 50+ Tech Tools for School Counselors and building a professional learning network that reached far beyond the classroom.
Expanding Reach: National Program Leadership
Advancing Equity and Access Through Technology & Workforce Development
In 2017, I joined the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado Boulder as a Program Director. There, I brought my frontline experience to national strategy, developing scalable initiatives to broaden participation in computing and close equity gaps. I collaborated with educators, researchers, and industry leaders to design inclusive systems, amplifying my impact from community to country.
Global Stage: USAID and Government Contracting
Strategic Project Management with Global Impact
In 2022, I entered the world of government contracting to support international development. Most recently, I served as the Senior Program Manager for the USAID Center for Education through ZemiTek, leading recruitment, professional development, and DEI integration across complex global initiatives. I specialize in aligning teams and systems with strategic goals, ensuring that people, processes, and policies all move missions forward.
A Common Thread: Leading with Purpose
From Local Classrooms to Global Missions — The Impact is Personal
Whether working with a student, launching a national program, or managing a USAID contract, my core purpose remains the same: to help people thrive. My career has been a journey of growing scale, but constant intention to create systems that are inclusive, efficient, and transformative. I bring heart, strategy, and an eye for the big picture to everything I do. Let’s connect and explore how I can bring that same energy to your mission.
Experience
Project Manager
Led all aspects of cost, scope, and schedule management for a USAID staffing contract, ensuring compliance through performance metrics and milestone tracking. Oversaw labor cost analysis, financial reporting, and resource forecasting to align with contract deliverables. Directed full-cycle recruitment and retention initiatives with a DEIA lens, while serving as USAID’s primary point of contact for strategic planning and adaptive policy execution.
Program Manager
6/2022 - 8/2024
USAID Institutional Contractor
Operations Manager | 10/23 – 8/24
Managed day-to-day operations of a USAID contract, overseeing performance cycles, staffing, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Led recruitment, onboarding, and HR strategy through a data-driven lens, integrating MEL to enhance operational efficiency and staff retention. Enforced federal IT security and labor law compliance, while maintaining high team morale through proactive coaching and inclusive leadership.
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Innovative Design Community Manager | 6/22 – 10/23
Directed multi-million-dollar international development projects using PMO and SDLC frameworks, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery aligned with USAID and BHA objectives. Oversaw task order management, risk mitigation, subcontractor performance, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Led end-to-end project lifecycle activities, including project planning, stakeholder communication, safety oversight, and formal contract closeout with USAID/PPL.
I led strategic program design and nationwide implementation of hybrid initiatives for the National Center for Women & IT (NCWIT), ensuring alignment with NCWIT’s mission and performance benchmarks. Directed cross-functional teams through performance management cycles and equity audits, driving inclusive talent development and organizational accountability. Conducted enterprise risk assessments and developed operational roadmaps to scale impact and expand equity in computing to all 50 states.
School Counselor
9/2001 - 7/2017
NJ and PA Schools
Over a 15-year career in K–12 education, led comprehensive school counseling programs that drove measurable improvements in attendance, academic performance, and student well-being. Managed cross-functional initiatives, including suicide prevention, school climate, and anti-bullying compliance under the NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Oversaw student and staff scheduling, data reporting, and equity-focused interventions using program evaluation and analytics to inform strategy. Collaborated with legal, community, and religious stakeholders to design outreach and crisis response programs. Honored as New Jersey’s 2017 School Counselor of the Year for outstanding leadership and impact across student support systems.
Education
University of Pennsylvania, M.S.Ed., Psychological Services; School Counseling Certificate
Rider University, MA, Organizational Leadership
Project Management Professional (PMP) PMI #3218242, Exp. 5.20.2028
Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) #001341020, Exp. 4.3.2026
The College of New Jersey, M.Ed., Instruction
William Paterson University, BA English, Educ.; Humanities Honors; Director of Guidance Cert.
Career Milestones
Professional Recognitions
William Paterson University of New Jersey, 2024
Tier 5 Level of Recognition for Outstanding Achievement on Innovative Design Services Project
Vistant, 2023
New Jersey
School Counselor
of the Year
NJSCA, 2017