Welcome to our series highlighting BOSSLADIES we love - inspiring women making waves, and making their mark. Women who are making our world better, brighter, more beautiful, and more just.
Next in our series is Angela Rye: Political Commentator. CEO. For the Culture Doer. Hip Hop lover.
Angela is a Bosslady we love because she talks the talk and walks the walk, educating people and inspiring them to do the same. An attorney and the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm in Washington, DC, she's also a Political Commentator on CNN and an NPR Political Analyst. She has been featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several publications and outlets from Marie Claire to Ebony and the Washington Post. Angela has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in the political process - oh, and did we mention she's also from Seattle? 🙌🏼
On to the interview...
AMANDA PEARL: What was your first paying job?
ANGELA RYE: I think this counts...I was an entrepreneur first! I received a micro loan from my father to purchase pop (soda if you aren’t from Seattle) and popsicles to sell in front of my grandmother’s house. Business was booming! I made $25 in one day!!
AP: When did you know you were meant to be a BOSS?
AR: I was told I was a leader at a young age. I always believed my parents. I was also always told I was bossy. I never took that negatively. :-)
AP: What's a cause you're passionate about?
AR: Making a constructive, positive difference. I am applying that right now to ensuring equity for people of color.
AP: What makes you feel powerful?
AR: Love and respect from the culture makes me feel invincible!
AP: How do you take care of YOU?
AR: Ahhh...still learning. A little spa day never hurt nobody! I do listen to spa music every night as I go to sleep.
AP: Who inspires you?
AR: Maxine Waters. Angela Davis. My mama!
AP: Favorite piece from the AMANDA PEARL collection and why.
AR: My bracelets!! They say love and respect (see my answer above to understand why that affirmation means the world to me!)
AP: What has been the most difficult hurdle or lesson learned?
AR: Everybody isn’t your friend (shout out to Stephanie Young who has to say this to me more than she wants...and Mikael Moore who does too!)
AP: Three things we don’t know about you.
AR: I’m goofy, clumsy, and SO sensitive.
AP: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
AR: “Perspective taking is the most important skill you can gain in life.” -My mom, Dr. Andrea Rye
AP: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve given?
AR: “Write it down!”
AP: Proudest moment of your career thus far?
AR: Making my parents proud.
AP: If you could say something to your younger self what would it be?
AR: Flow don’t force.
AP: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
AR: More compassion.
Learn more about Angela at angelarye.com.
