Angela Kidane’s journey from corporate America to the heart of community service is a testament to her resilience, determination, and a passion for making a difference. After dedicating a significant portion of her life to the corporate world, Angela found herself disenchanted and yearning for a more purposeful path. She wanted to work with teenage parents to prevent second unplanned pregnancies, as she could envision how easily they could end up in the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) system unable to break the cycle of public assistance dependency for future generations. Through her search for how she could create impact, Angela turned to her mother, whose influential wisdom echoed in her ears - "Find something you love and persevere."

In 2010, Angela walked by a KidzStuff childcare location in Baltimore City which was for sale. She attended a walk-through with a potential buyer and believed she was simply “along for the ride”. In a serendipitous turn of events, the childcare center owner offered Angela his property for a mere $1. This marked the birth of KidzStuff Child Care Center - Angela's dream to create a nurturing space for children. Despite facing financial hardships, Angela sought operational funding from SMBE, the Maryland Department of Education, and private donations, managing to keep KidzStuff Child Care Center afloat.

Like many businesses, KidzStuff faced challenges during the pandemic with decreased attendance and revenue. Yet, Angela's resilience prevailed, and her foresight paid off. The first center not only weathered the storm but is now thriving, and a second location has opened its doors, with the hopes of opening 3 to 4 more locations.

As a Founding Member of KidzStuff Child Care, she learned the value of early intervention. Angela’s personal mission became changing the course of the life of the youngest members of households. She wanted to expose them to quality education, experiences outside of their community, and the larger world around them.  All with the hope of never entering the TANF system.  Angela's motivation stems from her desire to be a beacon of light for the children she serves, providing the best foundation for their educational journey.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Angela imparts invaluable advice - do something you love, stay strong through challenging times, understand the community's needs, and consistently work within the business. Her mantra involves prayer, faith, and taking it one day at a time. Angela Kidane’s story is not just one of business success but a shining example of the transformative power of perseverance and genuine passion. KidzStuff Child Care Centers stand as a validation of Angela's commitment to creating a brighter future for Baltimore's youth.

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