HER MISSION: Angela Presutti loves Akron. It has given her so much, and she wants to give back. As the Greater Akron Chamber’s first full-time director of its Young Professionals Network, now’s her time. “I want to educate young people about opportunities for them to achieve their life goals here in Akron,” Presutti says. “I want to make them feel more connected to the community after college so they are more likely to stay and build a life here.” ON GETTING THERE: “My two degrees are my most treasured possessions,” says Presutti, who earned her bachelor’s from the University of Akron and an MBA (a family first) from Walsh University. “I invested quite a bit of money in them.” HOMEGROWN HOSPITALITY: Presutti’s first job was as a 16-year-old hostess at White House Chicken in Barberton. “In college I went back and served there for two years,” she says. Her aunt and uncle who raised her owned the Berlin Motel for 20 years. “So I would help there in the summer, too.”
IB: How does it feel to be the first full-time Young Professionals Network Director in the history of the Greater Akron Chamber?
AP: Awesome! I can make it my baby. This project will reflect me since no one has done it before. I can put my own personal stamp on it.
IB: Describe yourself in three words.
AP: Outgoing, driven and playful. I like to make other people laugh. I have a good sense of humor that can be dry at times, and I’m proud of that.
IB: What did you want to be growing up?
AP: I wanted to be both a Supreme Court judge and an actress. I was convinced I could do both.
IB: What do you bring to this job?
AP: Working with nonprofit and health care jobs has forced me to become a jack-of-all-trades. I am familiar with people from one end of the spectrum to the other. And I have a welcoming personality that my experience can back up.
IB: Why Akron?
AP: I’m a lifer here. … I know you can achieve your life goals here. I want other people to feel connected to it like I do.
IB: What do you do on weekends?
AP: Fridays are my relaxing night, but Saturdays I love to go out. ... Some of my favorites are Hook, Line & Drinkers, The Tap House and David B’s.
IB: How about the top networking spots in Akron for young professionals?
AP: Crave and the Barley House. The downtown Akron strip is great because you never know who you will run into.
IB: Which Akron celebrity would you want at one of your events?
AP: Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders because she is supportive of Akron. She opened a vegan restaurant called The VegiTerranean on Furnace Street. And I would love to have LeBron James there; who wouldn’t?
IB: Quick, what are three reasons why young people should love Akron?
AP: No matter what niche you are interested in, there is something for everybody here. You can have a great fulfilling career and raise a family. You get the city feel while still getting some of the smaller town values. It is a great place to call home; anyone can be proud to build a life here.