Angela Castellino Recognized for Leadership and Mentorship as SBS Alumna of the Year
On Feb. 13, the University of Arizona conferred Alumni of the Year awards on 19 accomplished graduates in recognition of their achievements, public service, advocacy for education, volunteerism, and service to students, the colleges, and the university. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences was pleased to name Angela Castellino the 2026 SBS Alumna of the Year.
A 1993 University of Arizona graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communication, Angela is a mother, tech executive, and mentor whose leadership spans both career and community. Guided by her personal motto — “Participate. Elevate. Imagine the possibilities.”— she has spent over three decades building a career defined by impact.
“It’s a humbling honor to be recognized for one of my greatest passions — mentoring,” Angela said. “This is the single most important and rewarding part of my professional and personal life.”
Throughout her career, Angela led high-performing teams at global companies including Microsoft and Oracle. She paired strong sales skills with leadership that prioritized people and collaboration, creating environments where people could do their best work and grow. Her efforts earned recognition such as Manager of the Year at Oracle and being named a Senior Leader on Microsoft’s Team of the Year.
Angela’s commitment to mentoring began with Girls Who Code, where she guided young women exploring coding and game development. Today, she works with U of A students and early-career professionals nationwide, helping them build confidence, define their personal brands, and prepare for competitive career paths.
“From her time as a student at the University of Arizona to her rise as a female leader and role model in STEM fields, Angela has continuously exemplified the values of our institution,” said Lori Poloni-Staudinger, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Inspired by her twin daughters who launched their careers in 2023, Castellino’s mentoring is motivated by witnessing women in technical fields being underestimated and by guidance from early mentors who encouraged her to trust herself. She now focuses on helping young women build self-advocacy skills in a complex workforce.
“Helping young women find their voice, their brand, and the ability to advocate for themselves has been a driving force,” Angela said.
Beyond her professional work, Angela serves in leadership and advisory roles for nonprofit and community organizations, including the University of Arizona Wildcat Mentor Society and the Alpha Delta Pi House Corporation.
Today, Angela is heavily invested in understanding the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workforce, earning certifications and expanding her knowledge to support students and small businesses in leveraging emerging technologies. She and her husband, Anthony, also manage a commercial real estate portfolio, and she enjoys life in Tucson with her family—though she jokes that living on a golf course hasn’t improved her handicap.
Through her professional achievements and dedication to mentorship, Angela brings purpose, generosity, and vision to every role, qualities that define her as an ideal Alumna of the Year for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
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