Meet Angel Li

We recently connected with Angel Li and have shared our conversation below.

Angel, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience has been a constant theme throughout my life, and I believe it’s largely rooted in my upbringing and life experiences. Growing up in Taiwan, my family that deeply valued education and early on I learned the value hard work and of perseverance, both of which became essential when I made the decision to come to the U.S. alone in my early 20s. Adjusting to a new country was challenging, to say the least. English wasn’t my first language, and I found myself struggling with both language and cultural barriers. But even then, I wanted to explore, learn, and fully experience life in the U.S.

Looking back, I realize that my parents gave me the tools to build resilience long before I even understood what that meant. They were my role models for perseverance and strength, and they instilled in me a love for learning that has shaped my entire journey. My parents always encouraged me to view challenges as learning opportunities and to approach them with a growth mindset. That mindset was invaluable as I navigated life in a foreign country, learning how to adapt, problem-solve, and push forward even when things felt overwhelming.

Optimism has also been a huge part of my resilience. I’ve always believed that there is something valuable to be gained from every experience, even the difficult ones. This outlook helped me to stay focused on the positive, look for the lessons within each challenge, and build the confidence to keep going. I truly believe that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges or pretending that everything is perfect; it’s about learning to embrace the highs and lows with a sense of curiosity and a determination to grow from each experience.

As a parent and an educator, I try to pass these lessons on to my children and to the families we serve through RISE Education. I know from personal experience how powerful it is to see challenges as steppingstones and to approach life with gratitude. Whether I’m raising my kids, supporting our students, or guiding my team, I aim to model resilience by embracing growth, maintaining a positive outlook, and continually learning from every situation.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Angel Li and I’m the CEO and Founder of RISE Education, a comprehensive education provider offering customizable curriculum and quality teachers across core subjects and specialty areas including world languages, art, music, physical education, and technology.

In 1991, I moved from Taiwan to the U.S. to pursue my master’s degree at Syracuse University. It was a big move—leaving behind the comfort of home for a new culture and language. But this experience was transformative, helping me find my voice and build confidence through adapting to new challenges. After graduating, I decided to stay in the U.S., and life soon took an unexpected but wonderful turn when I met my husband. We settled in Chicago, and as our family grew with the arrival of our two children, I was determined to share my cultural roots with them.

Becoming a CEO wasn’t part of my plan; it grew from a simple desire: I wanted my children to connect with their heritage by learning Chinese. To my surprise, finding Chinese classes that genuinely engaged young children was a challenge. Instead of feeling discouraged, I decided to create one myself.

With my daughter as my first student, I started designing my own program rooted in immersion, where the entire class was taught in Chinese. I spent countless hours researching and refining different teaching methods, always prioritizing keeping kids engaged. Before long, I’d created a curriculum I was proud of, and I began teaching out of my living room.

The response was remarkable. The kids loved it, and word spread quickly. To reach more families, I printed flyers and canvassed neighborhoods all over Chicago, sharing my Chinese classes and creating a community around language learning. As demand grew, I brought on other teachers and trained them in my curriculum to meet the interest from parents all over the city. Soon, we expanded beyond Chinese, offering Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic to students across Chicago.

Our next step was to broaden our offerings. When schools asked if we could help with music instruction, I realized the same principles of immersive, interactive learning could be applied to other subjects. I worked with experts to develop a full music curriculum and trained musicians to teach children in ways that make music both fun and accessible.

Today, RISE Education serves 80 schools nationwide, reaching tens of thousands of students with a wide array of programs in world languages, music, art, physical education, and beyond. It’s incredible to think that what began as a passion project for my own children has evolved into a resource empowering students to learn, embrace diversity, and connect with their communities.

I’m also a proud member of the Women Presidents Organization, I was honored this year with the 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Award. It’s been a deeply meaningful journey, and I am excited to continue expanding our reach and impact in education across the U.S.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, I see three qualities that have been invaluable in shaping both my personal growth and RISE Education’s evolution: adaptability, composure, and passion. Each of these qualities has guided me through pivotal moments, from navigating unexpected changes to building a culture that reflects our mission and values. For those early in their own paths, I believe developing these traits can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how these qualities have impacted my journey and my advice for nurturing them as you forge your own.

Adaptability: Early on, I realized that adapting to the unexpected is essential. RISE has pivoted several times—from a one-person language program to a national education provider. To make these shifts, I had to embrace adaptability, using each challenge as a learning opportunity to gather feedback and expand the company. For those just starting, I suggest staying open to change and viewing flexibility as a strength.

Composure: Remaining calm—especially in overwhelming or frustrating moments—helps prevent overreacting and allows for a clearer perspective. Staying centered enables me to make better decisions and communicate effectively. Developing composure requires patience and mindfulness; I’m a strong believer in having a meditation practice. Being present helps you avoid rushing to conclusions and keeps you grounded, no matter what arises.

Passion: As a leader, bringing passion into my work is essential to creating a motivating environment. Running a company is different from working for one; it’s about building a culture that reflects your values and purpose. For anyone on their journey, I recommend focusing on what drives you. Sharing your enthusiasm, genuinely caring about your mission, and keeping the bigger picture in mind will profoundly impact your growth and the environment you’re shaping. Cultivating passion for what you’re building will inspire others to share in that vision.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I believe in the philosophy of “out of sight, out of mind.” Sometimes the best ideas and solutions come when you’re not actively looking for them. Making time to step away is essential—whether it’s watching a movie, visiting an art museum, or finding a quiet spot to read or journal. These moments of self-care provide fresh energy and perspective, allowing me to return to business challenges with a clearer mind. I also recommend starting meditation practice. Just five minutes each morning to clear your mind and ground yourself before the day begins can be transformative.

Lastly, mentorship is invaluable. Being part of the Women Presidents Organization has been a tremendous resource; each meeting offers a space to share business challenges and gain fresh perspectives and solutions. Having others to turn to for advice and support is irreplaceable.

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