“Visionary Leader” Paves Way for Care in Orange County

ALISO VIEJO (CA) — Heroes emerge when times are hard. As we go through changing times, everyone knows someone making a difference.

We at UpNitro have launched an initiative to recognize the heroes who make a difference in their communities. We are working to share the stories of these extraordinary people with all our neighbors.

This submission is from Carrie Williams Freitas, who nominated Angie Rowe in Aliso Viejo.

Home state of the local hero

California

UpNitro for Local Hero

Aliso Viejo

How can you find the local hero?

Client

What is the role of the local hero?

Angie Rowe, CEO of Beyond Blindness, is a non-profit based in Santa Ana, CA, that assists children with visual impairments or other disabilities to build the foundation for a life they love.

Why should the local hero be honored or recognized?

Angie Rowe joined Beyond Blindness as President and Executive director in 2020. She has since expanded the organization to meet the needs of children and families with visual impairments.

Rowe achieved remarkable growth for Beyond Blindness, adapting Beyond Blindness’ services to continue uninterrupted throughout the pandemic. It was no easy task as the transition to virtual services had to be made and then to a hybrid model. This took place almost immediately.

Angie managed the entire rebranding of the organization (from its former name, Blind Children’s Learning Center), and strategic planning.

Beyond Blindness, under her leadership, is the most accredited organization for children with vision impairments and other disabilities in OC. It offers expanded services such as Early Intervention and Education + Enrichment and Family Support.

Angie Rowe, a visionary leader, has transformed Beyond Blindness, a 60-year-old organization, to ensure that children with disabilities, those with visual impairments, and their families receive the best services and support possible. This remarkable feat was achieved in two years, despite a pandemic that adversely affected many of her clients, many immunocompromised and some economically disadvantaged.

Angie also created the first Ophthalmic Advisory Board for the nonprofit, bringing in prominent medical professionals, academics, and firms. This move not only secured an impressive amount more funding for Beyond Blindness but also brought new medical perspectives and scientific perspectives to the organization. It helped to direct its focus to Early Intervention programs.

Angie’s reputation and standing within the nonprofit sector, as well as her vision for Beyond Blindness, have been crucial in attracting corporate funding and larger grants. She was appointed to many boards, including the Orange County Disability Collaborative and the California Association of Private Special Education Schools. (CAPSES), OneOC’s Non-Profit Advisory Council and California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Her role as Treasurer, Founding Member, and Children and Youth Policy chair will help drive services, accessibility, and inclusion for children with vision impairment and other disabilities statewide.

Tell us one thing you would like everyone to know about your local hero.

Beyond Blindness, under her leadership, is the most accredited organization for children with vision impairments and other disabilities in OC. It offers expanded services such as Early Intervention and Education + Enrichment and Family Support.

Angie Rowe, thank you so much for everything!