Speakers Angela Patton: Activist

Tragedies are always difficult to overcome, but for Angela Patton they can be used as inspiration to pursue endeavors that positively impact the community. When Diva Mistadi Smith-Roane, the 5-year-old daughter of Patton’s friend, lost her life through a firearm accident in 2004, Patton found a mission: To create a summer camp where girls, ages 11 to 17, could be safe and instill in them principles that would prepare them for a healthy womanhood. She named it Camp Diva in memory of Diva. Since its inception, Camp Diva has expanded to offer after-school programs, conferences and other programs and services. The aim is to empower at-risk girls of African descent, whom she refers to as “at-promise.”

In 2011 Angela became part of the Girls for a Change staff and is currently running GFC Richmond programs. Trained as a licensed practical nurse and doula, Patton has worked in the nonprofit sector for over fifteen years. Angela serves as the director of Camp Diva, completing her BS degree in Business Administration from ECPI University and certification in Nonprofit Management. She has been honored as one of Virginians Making a Difference and Top 40 under 40, and was selected as one of 75 2012 Opportunity Collaboration Cordes Fellows.

Slideshow: Pictures from the second annual Father-Daughter Dance >>

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