And Still We Rise!
This year, our theme is “And Still We Rise!” We asked our honorees to reflect on how they have risen above challenges—both professionally and personally. Their responses honor the obstacles they faced, the strength they discovered, and the determination that carried them forward.
“In the midst of personal or professional challenges, I rise by leaning on the spiritual foundation my parents instilled in me—and the strength my sister LaVerene helped nurture. From a young age, they taught me that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Their love, prayers, and guidance built in me a confidence to persevere and rise through anything placed in my path. Faith is the assured expectation of what cannot yet be seen. It is trusting that God is working on my behalf even when the way forward looks uncertain. When difficulties come, I remind myself not to look through an earthly lens—limited, fearful, or overwhelmed—but through the lens of God’s promises. That shift in perspective grounds me, strengthens me, and fuels my determination to keep pressing forward. Walking by faith, not by sight, means releasing the need to control every outcome and trusting in divine guidance. It means believing that challenges are not roadblocks but refiners—opportunities to grow, expand, and step deeper into purpose. It means knowing that I am never navigating life alone. So when personal struggles or professional pressures rise up, my faith rises higher. The foundation built by my parents—and reinforced by my sister’s encouragement—continues to steady me and remind me of who I am. Through God’s power, I rise—not because the path is smooth, but because my faith is alive, my support is strong, and my hope is unshakable. Still, I rise—like the phoenix bursting out of the ashes, stronger, brighter, and unstoppable!”
Angela Eileen Mike
Executive Director of Career and Technical Education
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Angela Eileen Mike serves as the Executive Director of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Division for Pittsburgh Public Schools, overseeing 22 CTE programs and multiple career exploration electives serving more than 4,000 students each year. With more than 30 years of service, she has previously worked as a CTE Curriculum Development Project Manager, Cosmetology Instructor, Career Development Instructor, and Graduation Project Instructor. She is also a member of the Superintendent’s Academic Cabinet.
Under Angela’s leadership, PPS has expanded work-based learning opportunities, increased industry certifications, and strengthened partnerships. She has led the development of new CTE program courses while securing grants from PDE, Partner4Work, and the AFT/PFT. In collaboration with The Pittsburgh Promise, she helped launch CTE students’ early access to Promise Scholarship funding for dual enrollment. She also spearheaded Personal Finance as a districtwide graduation requirement. Her pioneering work gained national attention on CBS Mornings for establishing Pennsylvania’s first carpentry pre-apprenticeship program.
Angela earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, graduating summa cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). She is a certified vocational instructor and Cooperative Education Coordinator. She later completed Supervisor and Director of Vocational Education certifications at IUP, followed by Principal and Curriculum & Instruction certifications at the University of Pittsburgh.
Her accomplishments have been recognized through numerous honors, including the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s Madia Springer Kemp Award, the Pittsburgh Technology Council Innovation in Education Award, the Carnegie Science Center Leadership in CTE Award, the New Pittsburgh Courier Woman of Excellence recognition, the Westinghouse Academy Hall of Fame, the City & State Power 100 Black Trailblazer honor, and multiple CTE proclamations.
Angela’s leadership extends into the community through her service on boards and her role chairing the City of Pittsburgh Workforce Community Table for the Pittsburgh White House Workforce Hub under Mayor Gainey. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc,. and Iota Lambda Sigma.
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