We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angela Draughn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angela below.
Angela, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up as a first-generation college student in a home filled with love but limited resources, I learned early on what it meant to adapt and persevere. My journey began in North Carolina, where I spent my early years, ages one to six, living with my grandparents. They cared for me as I recovered from an accident that left me with second and third-degree burns. It was there that I first learned the meaning of service, resilience, and love.
Life in North Carolina was simple and community-centered. My grandparents taught me that fulfillment could come from the earth itself; we’d could pick food right from our garden or peach and pecan tree. But when I joined my parents in Washington, D.C., at the age of six, I was hit by a stark contrast. The city was different—bustling, fast-paced, and driven by money. To get what we needed, we had to buy it; it was no longer as simple as picking from a garden. That contrast between small-town life and city life stayed with me as I grew up.
In my mind, the path to success seemed clear: pursue higher education, secure higher wages, and embrace the opportunities of city life. My journey took me to Bennett College, where I became not only the first in my family to graduate but also cultivated a deep appreciation for the value of knowledge. I thrived in my career, achieving what many would call “success.” Yet despite the outward achievements, I found myself increasingly burned out.
The breaking point came during a period of profound personal loss. Within a short time, I lost several family members while working under a toxic leader. Grief weighed heavily on me, and eventually, I made the difficult decision to step away from my lucrative job. I hit rock bottom, a place I’d once thought I’d never be. No longer was I driving my Mercedes; instead, I found myself taking the bus and facing the reality of needing public assistance. I was now one of the people I’d once silently judged, and the experience humbled me deeply. I knew then that I wanted to help others rebuild their lives, just as I was doing for myself.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Today, as the Family Success Center Manager for Historic Anacostia in Washington, DC, I am proud to be a champion for my community. When I serve my families and community, I imagine providing my mother with all the support she needed to care for me and my siblings as a single parent after her separation from my father. My journey from a small town to the city, from stability to struggle, and ultimately, to purpose has shaped me into someone who understands empathy, the power of resilience, and the importance of family and community support. I help families find stability, overcome challenges, and achieve success on their own terms. My purpose, I’ve learned, is to serve, uplift, and inspire others to rebuild and thrive.
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?
Throughout my journey, my faith in God, resilience, and empathy have fueled my purpose and direction. Faith has been my anchor, keeping me grounded and hopeful, especially in the toughest moments. It gave me strength through loss and uncertainty, reminding me of my commitment to serve others. Resilience turned my challenges—childhood recovery, career setbacks, and personal losses—into powerful lessons in perseverance, making me stronger with each test. Embracing empathy has been transformative; connecting with others’ experiences and showing transparency in my own story taught me to meet people where they are, without judgment. This empathy, deeply rooted in authenticity, fosters trust and openness, allowing me to form genuine connections with the families I serve, and inspiring them to push forward on their own paths.
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone searching for purpose, it would be this: don’t fear the low points, because they often reveal the greatest truths about who you are and what you’re meant to do. Sometimes, losing what you thought defined you allows you to discover what truly matters. Embrace every chapter—especially the difficult ones—as they may be leading you toward your most meaningful work.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is rebuilding my financial stability, which includes the ongoing struggle to keep my home. Despite these hardships, I am determined to move forward and create a sustainable future. I returned to school, earned a master’s degree, and completed four certifications to expand my professional skills and open new opportunities. I also wrote Lofty Dreams with Broken Wings, a book that shares my journey of resilience. While I’m actively seeking funding opportunities and making progress, I still need support to secure my home. This journey has shown me just how limited resources can be and underscored the need to create equitable opportunities for people to overcome setbacks. It’s taught me that hope, perseverance, resources, and discipline all work together, and with them, stability and thriving is within reach.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamangeladraughn
- Linkedin: Angela Draughn, MSA
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@angeladraughn7202
- Other: Book: Lofty Dreams with Broken Wings available on multiple platforms
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