Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelika Santaliz.
Angelika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Throughout high school, I noticed a growing need for accessible clothing within my community, which inspired me to create an opportunity where families could enjoy a free and dignified shopping experience. I realized that focusing on clothing—a necessity that is relatively easy to source and requires minimal start-up cost—made this goal both practical and achievable. I also understood that something as simple as having the right outfit can significantly influence a person’s confidence, especially for children.
I initially started by donating my own clothes, so our early efforts were geared toward supporting kids. As the nonprofit gained more recognition, we began receiving donations for adults as well, which allowed us to reach a broader audience. Over the years, we have also formed partnerships with local organizations, enabling us to supplement community events and provide clothing, shoes, socks, and other essential items to families in need.
Through this work, children have been able to explore their personal style, and families have been able to shop without the weight of financial strain. That lasting impact is what continues to motivate me to dedicate my time and energy to this project.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge for this nonprofit has been finding adequate space to store our growing number of donations. For many years, everything was kept in our garage, but as the volume continued to increase, we eventually had to transition into a storage unit to keep up with the demand. Aside from this hurdle, the development of the nonprofit has been remarkably smooth. Each step has unfolded at the right moment, and the organization has grown in a way that feels purposeful and perfectly timed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently a third-year medical student at Lincoln Memorial University who graduated from UCF, and much of my life has been dedicated to studying, learning, and preparing for a career built on service. My dedication to my goals—and my strong work ethic—are what has truly set me apart. Once I commit to something, it is very difficult to deter me; I’m willing to put in the time, discipline, and focus required to complete any task with excellence.
I am especially proud of my personal growth. Despite obstacles, I have remained focused while also pushing myself outside of my comfort zone to explore new experiences and develop new skills. Over the past few years, I’ve pursued things I never imagined I’d try—from taking ballroom dance lessons to enrolling in flight classes. Each experience has challenged me in different ways, expanded my confidence, and reminded me of the importance of embracing opportunities for growth.
Whether through my medical training, my nonprofit work, or the new skills I intentionally seek out, I’ve continued to build resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose—all of which have shaped who I am today.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that living life without risks is living a life without growth. We encounter risks every day—it’s simply a matter of identifying which ones are worth taking and which have the potential to lead to long-term success. In my case, I took a major risk in high school when I decided to create a nonprofit with no prior knowledge or guidance on how to build or run one. I only knew that if it succeeded, the impact on my community would make every challenge worthwhile.
Even when choosing my career path, I had to take risks—sacrificing parts of my social life, missing family events, and committing to long hours of work and study. But I understood that these sacrifices would ultimately bring lifelong fulfillment.
Although taking risks can come with setbacks, it’s important to pause and ask yourself whether the potential outcome—whether for your own life or the lives of others—makes that risk worth taking.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Personal photo: @tayjohnphotography
