Meet Angela Garcia | Founder, The UGLI Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We live in a world where bullying has become an every day occurrence that impacts everyone. We can no longer escape it, particularly young people in school. Gone are the days of having someone make fun of you in the hallway or classroom, but then that was it. When you weren’t right next to them you could escape it. You could go home and not have to worry about that person. Now the bullying follows us everywhere. We can be bullied via text, direct message, social media posts and of course, face to face. I am thankful I didn’t have to go to junior high and high school with social media, BUT as a parent of two small children, I worry about the future they will face. I cannot stand by and live in a world where I hear stories of people taking their lives because of bullying. I want to do something to change this pattern and make the world a kinder place for current and future generations. This is why I founded The UGLI Foundation. Our mission is to end bullying, forever. We are educating young people on the detrimental effects of bullying, and giving them the tools and information to know what to do when faced with a bully. We are giving in person talks or “UGLI Chats” in schools and organizations to grow awareness in both the student bodies and with teachers and administrators. If we can all work together we will change the path we are headed on and we can create a world where we spread positivity and kindness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before I became an “entrepreneur” I was an on-air broadcaster. I worked for FOX Sports, NBC, Golf Channel and hosted my own radio show on Sirius XM. I love speaking with people and helping them tell their stories. I think that’s why we are all here, to support each other and make the world a good place. I was given a gift, an ability to be able to speak on live television, or in front of thousands of people and not flinch. Now I use this talent to do good, to speak to people of all ages from all backgrounds and help them understand why bullying is so horrible and what we can do to positively respond when we are faced with a bully. I also want bullies to know we are here for them. I’ve learned that typically a bully is acting out because they are hurting. We want to help everyone and we want everyone to know the new meaning of the word UGLI. If you are UGLI you are UNIQUE, GIFTED, LOVED and INDIVIDUAL.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I credit my parents who raised me to be kind, compassionate and generous. They taught me to always strive to do great things and to leave the world a better place. They also always reminded me that if I wasn’t working hard to make the world better, then who was? It’s very important to me to do my part in making a difference and fostering a positive environment for the next generation.

My husband has also always supported me in everything I do. He is a professional athlete and sometimes it feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, but he always remains the kindest husband to me and most wonderful father to our children. We are very blessed with a happy and healthy family!

Website: https://theuglifoundation.org/

Instagram: @theuglifoundation

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ugli-foundation/

Twitter: @uglifoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theUGLIFoundation/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxOKnyk5F-xd8nYD5FoXuvQ