Daily Inspiration: Meet Casey Angel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Angel.

Hi Casey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely – I’ve been incredibly blessed with a diverse background and set of experiences. From living all over the country to experiencing different cultures and professional challenges, connecting with people is at the heart of everything I do.

Starting out in my career, I began working in political campaigns and government organizations, which helped me work with people that had vastly different ideals than myself, but it also taught me very quickly that if you focus on the 95% of our lives that unite us instead of our 5% differences, your work in any field will be made so much easier. Even after my direct involvement with federal and state politics shifted to work with corporations and NGOs, those lessons were still clear to me: find our uniting factors and lead with relentless positivity.

I’ve been able to draw on these experiencing to excel in the communications and public policy field where I now head the global corporate communications for an investment and development firm with offices throughout the United States and United Kingdom. As my direct footprint has grown through my professional career, I understand how influential we can all become in our spheres of influence and act as a positive change agent in each setting we are a part of.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As the saying goes, bumpy roads lead to beautiful places, and it definitely applies to my story.

During my collegiate years, my family had a number of unforeseen happenings at one time that left me quickly without a safety net, resulting in my experiencing homelessness and housing instability off and on for the better part of a year and a half. It took me some time to be able to speak about this, and some of my closest friends still do not know this about me, but it has made me better for it.

Understanding that homelessness and other challenges can hit people out of nowhere, through no fault of their own, has ensured my perspective on the successes and failures of life is always grounded while also understanding the importance of helping others that are not as fortunate as myself. Through hard work and the right doors opening, I was able to better my situation to the wonderful life I have today with my family. But there are still so many core memories that stick with you from a time like that, whether its sleeping in your car or the first paycheck that allows you to have a substantial meal, the road might get less bumpy, but your tires always remember.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m incredibly proud of my work with one of the leading affordable housing developers in the Triangle Region of North Carolina, CASA. Over the past several years, I’ve had the immense privilege of being a donor, volunteer, and serving in a number of leadership roles with the nonprofit, including Chair of the Fundraising Committee in 2019/2020 and on the Board of Directors since 2020, where I now serve as Vice-Chair of the Board.

CASA’s mission is one that obviously hits home for me – they are providing safe, affordable housing for homeless individuals and families throughout our region. To hear the stories from these men, women, and children who have had the entire trajectory of their life changed because of a stable home is inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time, as it encourages each and every one of us to do more each day… there are so many more of our neighbors in need. (www.CASANC.org)

Through my professional background, I’ve been able to utilize my experience and contacts in government to advocate for the funding and expansion of these services throughout the region for CASA developments. We have to give a huge kudos to our local leaders I’ve had the priviledge to work with who understand that to whom much is given, much is required… we live in a wonderful area with a high quality of life, one we benefit from each day, and it is our duty to pass that along to others as well.

While I’m not a fan of talking about my own accolades or awards, one that I am proud of is that I was recognized as an Outstanding Executive in Triangle Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Awards for my work with CASA and affordable housing in North Carolina as it gave me another wonderful opportunity to showcase the work being done by this group.

Looking forward, I would be remiss for not mentioning the next project I’m excited to be a part of with CASA as they team up with The Hope Center at Pullen – a new development in Raleigh that is focused on creating a community that specifically serves youth aging out of the foster care system. Without housing and support available for these young adults, an estimated 40-50% of these individuals will experience homelessness within 18 months of leaving foster care. Partnerships like these that CASA is forging in our community is truly creating a generational change that we can see for underserved populations.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For me, it’s been all about positivity and perspective. I think about those two words each day when celebrating successes or confronting challenges. It allows me not to get too low if something goes wrong and keeps me from touting our successes for too long as well. 

Anyone that has worked with me in my professional or personal life knows how full of energy I am, and I think harnessing that for good has been vital. Know who you are, take a real look in the mirror, and find the words that keep you consistently moving forward… everyone’s will be different, but for me, it’s been positivity and perspective. 

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyangel
• Other: www.CASANC.org

Image Credits
Triangle Business Journal
Andy Jacobsohn
Justin Cook