Angie Lozano's career path is a testament to dedication, a love for children, and the power of taking a chance. From her start in Pampa to her current role, she's dedicated her professional life to making a positive impact on the lives of families. We sat down with her to discuss her journey, her fulfilling role, and what she does to stay on top of it all.
A Passion for Education: From Pampa to Head Start
Growing up in Pampa, Texas, Angie always felt a natural connection to children. "I've always identified and could get along with children, so I wanted to work with, education," she shared. Despite financial hurdles for college tuition, she took classes one at a time. The real opportunity came with a job at a community daycare center in Pampa. For Angie, this was an ideal fit, offering the chance to work in education while staying close to her own children as they grew.
Her time at the daycare was hands-on and diverse. She did "different things. Lesson planning, bus driver, you name it. Teacher." The experience broadened when the center contracted with Head Start and Early Head Start. This led to a welcome shift in pay and focus. Angie worked with Early Head Start for about a year and a half before moving to Head Start, where she truly thrived. "I really enjoyed working with that age group because you can really see, children's progress and they're really learning," she explained.
Angie's commitment quickly led to new responsibilities. She was the first teacher at the center to teach full-day classes. Later, she oversaw the transformation of another leased building into classrooms, serving as both site director and teacher. Her commitment paid off again when, five or six years later, she was offered the assistant director job following the director's retirement.
The next leap in her career was inspired by a moment of curiosity. A job description for an admin assistant at Region 16 appeared on a screen at work. Angie took the chance, applied, and quickly got the job. She moved and has been there for over ten years, learning "a lot" along the way—a perfect example of seizing an unexpected opportunity.
Community and Connection: Helping Others is the Heart of the Job
In her current role, Angie is a crucial bridge to the community. At Cleveland Head Start, they "collaborate with other schools," including Lawndale and Glenwood, along with many other organizations. A significant part of her work is being a knowledgeable guide for those who call seeking assistance. The most fulfilling part of her job is simple: being able to help people. "I enjoy helping people. Just, I feel it's very important that, that I'm... friendly to people. I'm helpful. And I want them to be comfortable when they walk through our doors."
Angie's personal skills are also invaluable to the community. Being bilingual and a notary allows her to assist people without charge. Seeing the joy in the children—"the kids learn and they smile, and they're excited to come to school"—and the dedication of the teachers is what keeps her motivated day after day.
Lessons and Life: The Power of Multitasking and Family
When asked about the skills that have helped her grow professionally, Angie was quick to name one: becoming a professional multitasker. Coming from a smaller, slower-paced town meant a learning curve in a busy environment, a challenge she's glad she met. Staying up-to-date with technology and training is also essential for staying "on top of things."
Outside of work, Angie is devoted to her three young grand-babies—all boys—who are two, four, and six. She also enjoys walking and traveling when she can. She believes that being family-oriented is a great asset in her job. This relatability helps put nervous parents or grandmas at ease. As she reminds them, "Hey, I'm a grandma, and one of mine comes here and you are safe to be here."
Angie's future goals are to continue working in the Cleveland area, possibly moving into a "quieter office job" with a different kind of excitement, and, most importantly, spending more time traveling and with her family. Her final message for the community is clear and echoes her whole philosophy: "We are here to help."