Tricia Angelovich joined the Wyoming 211 team recently as the Associate Director of the agency. We had a chance to visit with Tricia and learn more about what makes her tick.
Did you grow up in Wyoming?
I was born in New Mexico, raised in Wyoming! I have brown and gold flowing through my veins – two of my children are currently attending the University of Wyoming and I could not be prouder. I’m lucky to live where I do, and the opportunities it has provided for my family – education, recreation, the most beautiful sunsets, and wide-open blue skies! PS – I’m kinda upset with this Wyoming snow I am shoveling today, but I know we need it…why can’t it stay in the mountains and off of my driveway?
What attracts you to a career in non-profit work?
The world of non-profit work is so rewarding, it makes my heart happy knowing that what I am doing makes a difference towards bettering the lives of others. I am incredibly blessed to have the career that I have, and the ability to impact others in a meaningful way.
Can you share an incident or situation which helped to define the person who you are today?
I believe I am the person I am today because of my children. They have made me a better version of myself. They have taught me unconditional love, compassion, joy and sometimes heartache. Without them, I wouldn’t be me! I think that for myself, experiencing the love and sometimes struggles of putting others before your own needs has helped guide me throughout my life, and helped me overcome one of the hardest times of life – like when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nothing can prepare you for that. I was fit, young, healthy and did not see that coming, in fact I had just completed a ½ marathon and was in the great shape. But the thing is, cancer does not care about your age, income, family, or social status. It was with the love and support of my family and friends that I am here today. Sometimes when I think I’m having a bad day, I just think – it could be worse, and at least I have hair (again, lol)… because for me what’s worse than a bad hair day? A no-hair day. I think going through cancer gave me the ability to really have compassion and empathy for others. It’s hard to really know what others are dealing with in their lives, and sometimes they just need a kind word, for someone to listen. It’s really in these little moments that we make the greatest difference to others.
How do you see the future of Wyoming 211, and your role in that future?
The future of Wyoming 211 is so bright!! We are growing and expanding – we have a new website and database that has recently launched, and we have a growing and talented staff! We are taking on so many new resources into our database – we can better serve the citizens of Wyoming. We will participate in the Vigilant Guard disaster & recovery exercise this summer. We are busy and couldn’t be more excited!
I see my role in that future helping our team learn and grow, helping to guide training, expanding our presence within our state, and trying to keep up with Sabrina. When I started, she told me to grab my (superwoman) cape and join her in saving the world! She is simply amazing, and I have so much to learn from her, and the rest of the staff. I am very honored and humbled to work for Wyoming 211, and I hope to continue to grow and develop into a valuable member of our team.
All of us at Wyoming 211 are thrilled to have Tricia on the team and are looking forward to a promising future connecting people in need with the resources that can help them.
