Get to know CSA Education’s Senior Director of Project Management, Angelique Chavez, with our updated staff Q&A!
Interviewer: What is your name and role at CSA?
Angel: Angelique Annolino-Chavez; Senior Director, Project management
Interviewer: If you had to describe the “vibe” of the CSA team in three words, what would they be?
Angel: Humanity drives excellence
Interviewer: When you aren’t at your desk, where are we most likely to find you?
Angel: When not at my desk, you can find me outside breathing in the fresh air (even in the winter), and when possible, soaking in any sun that is shining in the Chicagoland area.
Interviewer: Which CSA core value resonates with the the most and why?
Angel: The “We Support” value aligns with me best because I like to think I am part of the team’s trusted sounding board. I believe that I embody the “solid foundation” mentioned in our values because I strive to maintain a third-party perspective that ensures that support isn’t just about comfort—it’s about providing clarity and stability to my team’s needs to solve problems and embrace change.
Interviewer: What was your first-ever job, and what did it teach you?
Angel: At 15, I stepped into my first professional challenge: managing my father’s high-volume, delivery-only pizza restaurant. Tasked with running the business so he could take a well-earned break, I quickly learned that effective leadership starts with empathy. I discovered that every team member learns differently, and that treating people with genuine humanity is the only way to build a truly resilient crew. Beyond the logistics of juggling peak-hour rushes and prioritizing high-stakes tasks, this experience taught me the art of professional service and, most importantly, the resilience to bounce back from the inevitable mistakes that come with growth. It wasn’t just about the operations; it was about mastering the balance between high-quality output and a high-support culture.
Interviewer: If you could give a shout-out to one colleague today, who would it be and why?
Angel: I would love to give a huge shout-out to Joanna Merrithey. Joanna is easily the most calm and positive force on our team. Even while managing an unbelievable number of projects, she stays perfectly synced with every detail—you can ask her a “pop” question at any moment, and she’ll have the answer ready. She makes high-stakes coordination look like second nature, and watching her handle the workload with such grace is truly motivating to everyone around her.
Click here to learn more about Angel!
Page last updated April, 2026
