Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, as part of a large Italian-American family, Angela Sapienza was instilled with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community from an early age. Her academic path was as diverse as her professional journey: she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Policy from SUNY Stony Brook. While she once considered a career in medicine after working in her father’s dental office, Angela ultimately pursued her J.D. at Pace Law School—a decision that led her to a fulfilling career in public service. Today, she resides in Westchester with her two sons, Luke (10), who loves tap and hip-hop dance, and Cole (12), who plays lacrosse. Both boys share a passion for music, playing the baritone—something Angela jokingly refers to as “ouch!”

Since 2021, Angela has proudly served as the Personnel Officer for the City of White Plains. Her career in municipal government began at a challenging time, right after law school during a recession that shifted her plans. She started her career in the Village of Scarsdale law department as an Assistant Attorney, eventually becoming the Deputy Village Attorney and after returning to Scarsdale later in her career, the Village Attorney.  After a period with NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation in Risk Management, she was recruited back to Scarsdale in 2011 when the Personnel Director retired. It was there that longtime Village Manager Mr. Gatta, with over four decades of experience, recognized her potential in personnel and encouraged her to pursue a path she had not considered for herself. That moment of guidance shaped the rewarding and challenging career Angela enjoys today.

In addition to her role, Angela stays active in her community. She is a dedicated member of the PTA and currently serves as the Secretary of her running club, NewRo Runners. Running is one of her greatest passions—she has completed several half marathons and an impressive 12 full marathons. When not on the road, she finds joy in cooking and baking for friends and family, taking pleasure in seeing them enjoy her meals.

Reflecting on her professional journey, Angela highlights the importance of developing soft skills—empathy, understanding, professionalism, and kindness—while also learning to grow a thicker skin in leadership roles where criticism can be frequent. These lessons have not only shaped her professional growth but also her approach to serving others.

For those new to civil service, Angela’s advice is both practical and encouraging: “Be patient with yourself, just as you would with someone else. It is important to acknowledge there is a learning curve when one joins a new organization, particularly when new to civil service. And don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

Looking ahead, Angela is inspired by the modernization taking place in New York State’s civil service system. After years of stagnation, she is optimistic about changes that will allow municipalities to better hire and retain talented individuals. She considers it an exciting time to be in the field and feels privileged to contribute to its progress.

Angela Sapienza’s career is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the impact of mentorship. From her early days in law to her current leadership role in personnel, she has embraced challenges and grown into a trusted professional dedicated to advancing civil service while making a difference in her community!