Angela Ryan

Executive Director

Angela, a Sonoma Valley native, has ventured across the Midwest and East Coast but always knew her heart belonged in the vibrant hills of her hometown. A proud alumna of Sonoma Valley’s public schools, she took her passion for history to Ohio State University, earning a doctorate with original research that uncovered the critical work of multiracial coalitions of 1960s student activists who paved the way for Ethnic Studies.

After five years in NYC, where she inspired minds as a college professor, Angela returned to Sonoma in 2013, bringing her wealth of experience to the local community. Over the past eleven years, she’s become a cornerstone of Sonoma Valley’s community-based organizations, from joining as a founding member of Impact100 Sonoma’s NextGen program to steering the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation through the turbulent waters of COVID over the past five years.

When she's not championing innovation and equity, Angela savors the simple pleasures of Sonoma Valley with her partner Doug and their two kids. Whether they’re picking blackberries in the summer, hiking the scenic Overlook Trail in the fall, crafting homemade pizzas in the winter, or soaking in the spring’s explosion of poppies, they make the most of every season in Sonoma Valley (Yes, Sonoma has seasons!).

Angela's love for Sonoma is as boundless as the Valley's beauty, and she’s deeply honored to serve her community, driving change and fostering connections that make Sonoma a truly special place to call home.