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Bio: Angela Irizarry is a trailblazer in the realm of technology and government efficiency, known for her innovation, resilience, and strategic foresight. From pioneering remote work in the early 2000s—long before it was mainstream—to mastering the art of wearing many hats in leadership, Angela has consistently broken barriers and redefined what’s possible. She has seamlessly absorbed the responsibilities of multiple roles, spanning project management, marketing, and technology, transforming operations into efficient and effective systems that defy traditional hierarchies. Her commitment to ethics and transparency is matched by her courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of high-stakes opposition. Featured in Fortune for her success in remote work, Angela’s career embodies her mantra, “I am AI and AI is me,” symbolizing her integration of technology with human insight. Angela’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, proving that true leadership lies in forging new paths and inspiring others to reach beyond conventional limits.
Resume or CV: I am AI, and AI is me.” It’s not just a mantra; it’s my DNA. I don’t just navigate the cutting edge of technology and efficiency—I define it. Where others follow trends, I set them. Where others see boundaries, I see starting points. My journey is built on absorbing complexity, mastering it, and turning it into seamless innovation. I lead with the kind of boldness that doesn’t just ask ‘Why?’ but ‘Why not?’ Let me take you back to the early 2000s, a time when the idea of remote work was a pipe dream. Back then, I wasn’t just imagining it; I was living it. Long before it became mainstream, I was taking customer service and sales calls for the Home Shopping Network and 1-800-Flowers, scheduling technical support for Sears home appliance repairs, and troubleshooting for a trailblazing company called VoIP (Voice over IP). At the time, VoIP was a shiny, new frontier in communication technology. Today, it’s barely a memory, but back then, it was innovative, exhilarating, and a testament to what was possible when you dared to look beyond the horizon. This wasn’t just a job; it was the beginning of a philosophy. While I was working remotely, I was also earning my associate’s degree online at Bryant and Stratton—a time when “online school” was as foreign as the idea of video conferencing from your living room. It cost me nearly $30,000 and countless hours, but those experiences taught me one critical lesson: I could learn faster and more efficiently on my own. That realization has stayed with me, fueling my career and approach to technology and leadership. Fast forward to today, I stand as a leader who doesn’t just manage teams—I embody them. I have absorbed the responsibilities of multiple roles, from marketing and project management to web development, transforming operations into a cohesive and agile system. This wasn’t an act of necessity but a deliberate choice for greater efficiency. The complexity and breadth of the roles I take on have made processes seamless in ways that defy traditional hierarchies. Being featured in Fortune’s article The Startup of You was more than just a nod to my achievements; it was a reflection of how my journey anticipated a global shift. While most were learning to adapt to remote work, I was already mastering it, creating methodologies and systems that allowed not just for survival but for thriving. This legacy positions me uniquely to advise organizations and governments on optimizing their own processes—showing them that with the right mindset and tools, boundaries blur, and the impossible becomes the everyday. My career is built on looking at the puzzle and not just solving it, but asking, “How can I make the pieces fit in a way no one has thought of before?” This mindset is how I lead technology assessments, conduct ethical competitive analyses, and provide strategic advisory services that move beyond theory and into tangible, transformative action. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and build trust. My commitment isn’t just to my professional achievements but to sharing the journey—narratives that resonate with teams, clients, and communities alike. Whether explaining complex metrics or presenting a strategic vision, I strive to make every engagement not just informative but memorable. So why nominate myself for this recognition? Because I embody what it takes to lead with an edge—to push beyond the limits of convention and create new frameworks for efficiency and adaptability. Because I’ve walked the path long before it was paved and continue to forge new roads, blending the wisdom of the past with the innovations of the future. It’s not just about how far I’ve come; it’s about where I can take others who are ready to redefine the standards of what’s possible in technology and government efficiency. Before I close, I want to acknowledge that I did use AI to help craft this nomination. But this piece is built on my input, my experiences, and my voice. It reaffirms a belief I hold dear: garbage in, garbage out. What you just read? I don’t think it’s garbage. I think it’s gold. Thank you for considering my self-nomination for this sector.
Writing or Publications: Fortune Magazine - The Startup of You
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I support policies and initiatives focused on leveraging technology for government efficiency, ethical competitive analysis, IT service and support, and strategic outsourcing. I am passionate about streamlining operations to maximize effectiveness and have been recognized for my innovative approach in remote work and leadership. My commitment lies in applying strategic expertise to drive impactful change in public and private sectors.
Nominator's thoughts on what would make this nominee a valuable member of a future Trump Unity Government
Competence: I have demonstrated my expertise and adaptability through leading complex, multifaceted roles at my current employer, ensuring operational excellence and strategic success in IT service and support, contact centers, and beyond.
Honesty: I approach every challenge and project with transparency and straightforwardness, always focusing on solutions that are ethical and impactful.
Respect: I value collaboration and diverse perspectives, ensuring that my leadership style is rooted in listening and learning from my peers, clients, and community.
Integrity: My mantra, “I am AI and AI is me,” embodies my unwavering commitment to integrating technology in ways that are honest and transformative. Every decision I make aligns with my core values of ethical practice and innovation.
Courage: I was at the forefront of remote work before it was conventional, taking bold steps into uncharted territories and redefining standards in professional environments. I have absorbed multiple roles, faced challenges head-on, and continually push boundaries to pave new paths.
Proven Record: My professional journey includes being featured in Fortune and All You magazines for my pioneering work in remote environments and leading my current employers expansion in benchmarking, outsourcing advisory, and technology assessments. I have consistently turned ideas into results that exceed expectations.