Biography
Early Life
Angela Patton was born on January 6, 1975. She grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Patton was raised with a strong sense of community and justice. These early experiences shaped her desire to make a difference, especially for Black girls. She often saw how systemic barriers and cultural biases limited opportunities for young Black girls. She was determined to do something about it. Patton attended local schools in Richmond. She developed her leadership skills by being deeply involved in her church and community. Her passion for social justice and equity grew as she matured. Patton was already committed to a path of advocacy by the time she finished school.
Ongoing Advocacy and Leadership
Patton founded Camp Diva Leadership Academy in 2004. It is named in honor of a young girl whose life was tragically cut short. Patton said, “After my dear friend Clover Smith lost her daughter from a firearm accident in a relative’s home while Clover was working her second job trying to make ends meet. This tragic loss became a triumph for other girls in the community and gave Clover an opportunity to mentor and keep Diva’s memory close to her. Diva’s name resonated with me after I heard Pastor Watson at St. Paul Baptist church read her eulogy. He shared the meaning of her name and how God is in all of us. I immediately thought that the girls that I wanted to support should know they were divine and just needed guidance, support, and nurturing.”
Camp Diva became a place for Black girls to learn leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with mentors. Patton’s goal was to create a space where Black girls could be themselves, express their ideas, and find their voices in a world that often marginalized them. The success of Camp Diva laid the groundwork for her larger vision.
CEO of Girls for a Change
Patton’s dedication to empowering Black girls expanded in 2013 when she became the CEO of Girls For A Change (GFAC). This nonprofit organization is committed to preparing Black girls for the world and making the world a better place for Black girls. GFAC offers programs that emphasize leadership, career readiness, and civic engagement. These skills give girls tools to lead and confidence to make their voices heard. Patton’s influence grew beyond Richmond as she worked on a national scale. She develops programs that impact thousands of girls across the nation.
One of Patton’s most impactful moments came in 2012 when she delivered a TED Talk titled, “A Father-Daughter Dance in Prison.” The talk described her efforts to organize a dance for incarcerated fathers and their daughters. The idea was interesting to audiences around the world. It highlighted the importance of maintaining family connections and supporting the emotional well-being of Black girls. Patton’s TED Talk has since been viewed over one million times. This has brought widespread attention to her work.
The success of Patton’s TED Talk led to an even more challenging project: the documentary film, Daughters. She co-directed it with filmmaker Natalie Rae. The documentary follows four girls as they prepare for a father-daughter dance with their fathers. Their fathers were in prison in Washington, D.C. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It won the U.S. Documentary Audience Award and the Festival Favorite Award. Patton’s work on Daughters showcased her ability to share the voices of Black girls and advocate for such changes in ways children could connect with incarcerated parents..
Patton’s work with Girls For A Change continues to inspire and uplift. She has received multiple Champions of Change awards for her fearless leadership and dedication to advancing opportunities for Black girls. She co-authored the book, Finding Her Voice, with Faye Z. Belgrave and Angela Ivy Belgrave. It provides guidance for Black girls navigating diverse environments. It offers practical advice on how to thrive. Patton is a sought-after speaker. She delivers talks at conferences, schools, and community events. She shares her message of empowerment and justice.
For over 25 years, Angela Patton has remained a tireless advocate for “at-promise” girls. “At-promise” is a term she uses instead of “at-risk” to emphasize potential rather than limitations. Her vision is to create a world where Black girls are heard, seen, and celebrated for their brilliance and resilience. Through her leadership at Girls For A Change, Patton is making that vision a reality, one girl at a time.
