Today, we get to meet Angela Bigelow, assistant director/school coordinator at Hi- Ed.

A Warren native through and through, Angela grew up in the area and continues to call it home.

“I was born and raised here in Warren,” she says. “I love the safe, close-knit feeling this town provides. There’s a real sense of belonging, and I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible community helpers along the way.”

That deep sense of connection to her hometown inspires much of Angela’s work.

Times Observer Photo by Monica Keller Angela giving a presentation at Hi-Ed.

“There are so many people here who genuinely care about Warren and are working hard to improve it,” she says. “I think we’re experiencing a forward momentum — I’m meeting so many young people who are motivated to keep making Warren a great place to live.”

At Hi-Ed, Angela wears two hats in her dual role as Assistant Director and School-to-Work Coordinator–a position that blends two full-time responsibilities into one. It’s a demanding schedule, but it’s also one she thrives in.

“No two days look the same,” she shares. “It takes a lot of time management, flexibility, and collaboration across programs — but that’s part of what I love about it. There’s always something meaningful happening.”

A major part of her work centers around youth and career exploration. In her School-to-Work role, Angela designs and manages programming for K-12 students, helping them discover possibilities for their future.

“One of the most important things I try to do is show students what’s possible,” she says. “A lot of them believe they have to leave Warren to ‘make it’ — but that’s just not true. There are incredible opportunities right here. I want them to see that success doesn’t always mean leaving home.”

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Photo is of Angela Bigelow and her family.

Angela’s path to Hi-Ed began with her time at Head Start, where she developed a lasting passion for community service.

“I’ve always been drawn to working with families — especially young families — and helping them build stability and long-term opportunity,” she says. “Even though my current role focuses more on youth and career development, I try to bring that mindset into everything I do: meeting people where they are, recognizing their strengths, and helping them move forward in ways that work for them.”

Beyond the classroom, Angela is deeply engaged in workforce development initiatives at Hi-Ed. She supports programs that provide credentials and certifications for adults at all stages of their career journey–whether they’re just starting out, re-entering the workforce, or looking to grow in their field.

“What I love is being part of someone’s progress,” she says. “Whether they’re finding their first job or taking a leap toward something new, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Hi-Ed also offers a wide range of personal enrichment classes, from photography and wellness to creative writing and more. Angela believes strongly in the power of lifelong learning.

“Education isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about discovering new passions, developing confidence, and connecting with others. I’m proud to help create space for that.”

Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband and children.

“My kids are very involved in sports and activities, and I’m one of those moms who cheers very loudly,” she laughs. “I love being outside, which makes Warren such a great place to live. I also love antique shopping — finding treasures with history and giving them new life. And trivia nights are a favorite, especially when I get to spend time with my close-knit group of friends who keep me grounded and laughing.”

Angela’s love for the community goes far beyond her 9-to-5 role. She’s deeply involved in local efforts to create lasting change. She is a member of Zonta, serves on the board of the Don Mills Achievement Center, and launched Hi-Ed’s Youth Leadership Program, which she describes as one of the most fulfilling experiences of her career.

She’s also active with the WCCBI COD Board, where she helps maintain strong connections between local organizations, and participates in several Warren Worx subcommittees, focusing on creative, community-driven solutions to Warren County’s biggest challenges.

“It’s inspiring to work alongside people who care so deeply about where we live,” she says.

Right now, Angela is organizing a summer career exploration series that will bring hands-on learning and professional connections directly to playgrounds in Warren.

“It’s such a fun way to meet kids where they are, literally and figuratively,” she explains. “Projects like this are the best–they combine creativity, purpose, and community connection in a way that feels authentic and exciting.”

When reflecting on the biggest milestone in her life, Angela’s answer is clear and heartfelt: her family.

“My husband and I have built a life that we’re proud of. Our kids are growing into hardworking, thoughtful young people. They remind me every day of what really matters.”

Angela’s approach to leadership is grounded in service and humility.

“To me, leadership is about creating space, support, and momentum for others to thrive,” she says. “It’s not about being in the spotlight–it’s about helping the people around you shine.”

She is quick to praise her teammates at Hi-Ed.

“I work with a small but mighty team of incredible women. We each bring something different to the table, and we trust and support each other. That kind of shared purpose makes all the difference — I felt it at Head Start, and I feel it here.”

As she looks toward the future, Angela hopes the public sees her work — whether with students, families, or partners–as rooted in one powerful message: hope. “I’ve felt stuck before. I know how hard that can be. But I also know how transformative it is to believe that change is possible. If even one person walks away believing that after working with me, then the work matters. The rest builds from there.”

Angela sees a future where Hi-Ed continues to expand as a hub for opportunity, connection, and transformation — a place where individuals at every stage of life can find their next step. “That’s the work I want to keep doing,” she says. “Creating programs that meet people where they are and help them move forward — one step at a time.”