We are thrilled to introduce a dynamic duo joining The EdVenture Group as Program Managers: Angela Mink and Kim Zirk! Their passion for education and unwavering dedication make them invaluable additions to our team. Angela’s work with our family engagement programs promises to strengthen our bonds within the community. With Kim supporting our innovation and entrepreneurship portfolio, we’re set to pioneer groundbreaking initiatives. Together, their expertise will drive our mission to new heights, empowering learners and transforming education. Join us in welcoming Kim and Angela to our mission-driven journey at The EdVenture Group!
Let's get to know our newest Program Managers:
What are you most excited about in your new role at The EdVenture Group?
A: I am most excited about working with my new co-workers that share the same vision and love for students and families as I do. I love how we each bring something different to the table, but as we collaborate and brainstorm, we come up with amazing ideas.
K: I am most excited to be contributing meaningful work that impacts today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders, preparing for future readiness and success.
How will your prior experience contribute to your new role at EdV?
A: My prior experience is a mix between being in the classroom and being a parent. Being a prior teacher and having five children at home, I see both views from school employee and parent. I hope to bring what I have learned professionally and what I have learned as a mom to help better our education for students in the state of West Virginia.
K: My extensive academic background and corporate experience will be instrumental in empowering students to prepare for their future careers while simultaneously cultivating the skills necessary for their success in today’s dynamic world.
What is a quote or saying that resonates with you as it relates to your views on the importance of education?
A: I have two quotes that I love, and they both come from the Nobel Peace Prize recipient Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
I love this quote because West Virginia is a unique, small state that has the kindest, most genuine people that live here. When all of us in the educational set our own views and agendas aside and work together, we could make great improvements in our state.
“I wish I could shut up, but I can’t, and I won’t.”
This is how I have felt for years. I have a drive and a passion to help make education for WV students better. That thought can be overwhelming for some individuals but The EdVenture Group has encouraged me to dream big about all the good things we can do for families.
K: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
What is a fun fact about you?
A: I am from West Virginia and my husband is from Georgia, but I am the one with the southern accent. That is one thing about me most people will remember and notice when they first meet me!
K: I enjoy practicing different types of yoga, although aerial may be my favorite.
What can somebody find you doing outside of work hours for fun?
A: Right now, what I do outside of work hours is spend as much time as I can with my husband and our 5 kids! When I am not spending time with them, I work on my doctoral classes and DIY projects around the house with my husband.
K: You can usually find me enjoying the great outdoors with my two dogs.
Angela's Bio
Angela Mink is a Program Manager with The EdVenture Group. Prior to her time with EdVenture, Angela taught in the public-school setting as a preschool special needs itinerant teacher and middle school classroom teacher for several years. She has also worked in the private school setting teaching middle school history and helping in other roles in the school’s fine arts program. Angela has more than a decade working with children in and out of the classroom.
Angela is currently working towards her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Marshall University, and her Bachelor’s degree in History from West Virginia State University.
Angela is a lifelong resident of West Virginia and has lived in the southern and northern parts of the state. This has allowed her to see many different views and perspectives of the educational system across WV. With her love of the state and her love for students, she hopes to bring this passion for helping children and families to the educational environment.
Kim's Bio
Kim Zirk began her career in early childhood development, starting as a teacher’s aide for K-6 students at her local childcare center, and later serving as a teacher for the after-school program. During her undergrad, she also served as a high school student teacher where she focused her action research on differentiating curriculum to address the individual learning styles of students. Kim then worked for West Virginia University after she graduated in May of 2010 with a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in English.
After leaving the education industry, Kim served as a Client Coordinator for a management consultancy that focuses on proven principles of behavioral science to improve organizations from nonprofits to Fortune 50 companies. She has also worked as a Client Manager to recruit talent and build stronger teams for entrepreneurial and corporate companies, while also learning what skills are needed for today’s evolving job market.
Joining The EdVenture Group as a Program Manager is an opportunity for Kim to return to her passion in education and share her classroom and corporate experience to help enable students to prepare for their future careers while also building their skills to be successful today.