Student’s in Mrs. Winfield-Corbett’s 8^th grade class recently wrapped up a unit of study in ELA on standing up for rights by overcoming obstacles.  During this unit of study, students critically analyzed the work of many individuals including that of former NECSD student Angela C. Winfield.  Angela was an all honors special education student who struggled with losing her vision and becoming totally blind.  But through hard work, faith and perseverance, Angela overcame what many perceive to be a huge obstacle and achieve personal success.  During this unit of study, students analyzed articles and videos (including a TEDx talk and a PBS special) on Angela, completed various Thinking Maps on Angela, and wrote a writing piece critically analyzing her work and ideologies. Angela (and her guide dog Yvonne) was graciously able to come in and speak with these students as a special guest speaker and hold a Q&A session. Students were also able to present their writing to Angela as an oral presentation. Angela’s message to students: “It’s worth finding out what you are actually capable of achieving, so never let an obstacle stop you from reaching for your dreams.  I’m living proof that hard work and perseverance can overcome extraordinary challenges.  If I can do it, so can you.”

Angela’s Bio:

Featured in the Wall Street Journal, profiled in Investor’s Beat as a successful woman in real estate, contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive, voted a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star two years in a row, featured in Holistic MBA’s World Class Master Coach video summit and recognized as a Zeta Phi Beta Woman of Courage, Angela Winfield is a beaming model of inspirational transformation. Despite being declared legally blind at age ten and going totally blind at age 20, Angela is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and Cornell Law School, Of Counsel at Barclay Damon, one of the top 250 law firms in the country, a sought-after motivational speaker, a certified life and success coach from the renowned IPEC coaching school, published author, a community leader, real estate investor, wife, and successful entrepreneur. Currently Angela is the director of the Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at Cornell University.  Angela is committed to motivating, educating and inspiring individuals to reach their highest potential and founded Blind Faith Enterprises LLC, her personal growth and development company where she shares her system for success through presentations, 1-on-1 coaching and home study programs. Angela values giving back to the community and serves on four not-for-profit boards of directors including being the youngest and first ever minority or disabled vice president of the United Way of Cayuga County.