We were lucky to catch up with Angel Mollel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Angel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Hello, I’m Angel Mollel, a Maasai from Northern Tanzania. Growing up in a family of 16 siblings, with two mothers and one father, my culture initially didn’t prioritize the education of girls. However, my life took a pivotal turn when my father enrolled my sister and me in a nearby school. In 2010, I met my adoptive father, Tony Matteroli, and two years later, we moved to the United States for a brighter future and improved education.
In 2018, during high school, I founded 1 Love as a means of genuinely helping my community in Ormelili Village. Recognizing that many parents struggled to afford education for their children due to financial constraints, I was determined to make a difference. Collaborating with my adoptive father, we established a nonprofit. He crafted the logo, while I designed the website. With support from friends and the community I had built in Colorado since 2012, we leveraged social media to spread awareness.
In the first year, 1 Love sponsored education for six children. Thanks to overwhelming support in subsequent years, we achieved impactful projects, including providing clean water and electricity, constructing a shop, improving housing, and installing a well.
Reflecting on our accomplishments, I am genuinely surprised by the significant impact we’ve made in such a short span. This fuels my determination to extend help to other villages in need. I am profoundly grateful for the transformative work we’ve accomplished, made possible through the unwavering support and generous donations of people who share our vision.
Currently a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in Media Communications and Information, I am deeply passionate about Media Production, particularly in creating documentaries that capture diverse cultures and individual stories. Despite being far from home, I maintain a strong connection by returning to Tanzania every summer to spend time with family and contribute to the work of 1 Love.
Angel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello, I’m Angel Mollel, a Maasai from Northern Tanzania. Growing up in a family of 16 siblings, with two mothers and one father, my culture initially didn’t prioritize the education of girls. However, my life took a pivotal turn when my father enrolled my sister and me in a nearby school. In 2010, I met my adoptive father, Tony Matteroli, and two years later, we moved to the United States for a brighter future and improved education.
In 2018, during high school, I founded 1 Love as a means of genuinely helping my community in Ormelili Village. Recognizing that many parents struggled to afford education for their children due to financial constraints, I was determined to make a difference. Collaborating with my adoptive father, we established a nonprofit. He crafted the logo, while I designed the website. With support from friends and the community I had built in Colorado since 2012, we leveraged social media to spread awareness.
In the first year, 1 Love sponsored education for six children. Thanks to overwhelming support in subsequent years, we achieved impactful projects, including providing clean water and electricity, constructing a shop, improving housing, and installing a well.
Reflecting on our accomplishments, I am genuinely surprised by the significant impact we’ve made in such a short span. This fuels my determination to extend help to other villages in need. I am profoundly grateful for the transformative work we’ve accomplished, made possible through the unwavering support and generous donations of people who share our vision.
Currently a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in Media Communications and Information, I am deeply passionate about Media Production, particularly in creating documentaries that capture diverse cultures and individual stories. Despite being far from home, I maintain a strong connection by returning to Tanzania every summer to spend time with family and contribute to the work of 1 Love.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My nonprofit partner is none other than my adoptive father, Tony Matteroli—he’s my rock, my confidant, my best friend, and the epitome of the perfect father. He encompasses everything a little girl could hope for: unwavering support, a constant presence to lean on, and an attentive ear always open to my wild and creative ideas.
In 2010, Tony ventured to Tanzania where he volunteered at the school I attended, which led to our meeting. Our connection deepened as we spent time together, and by December of that year, he met my family, instantly becoming an important part of it. His presence felt like the missing piece completing our family puzzle.
Recognizing the bond we shared, Tony decided to start the adoption process. He navigated the complexities of the visa process in Tanzania and ensured my parents were comfortable with the decision. Two years later, we started a new chapter in Colorado, where I entered 5th grade.
Despite the geographical distance, Tony maintains a profound connection with my family, visiting them every other year. To my amusement, it seems my family may love him more than they love me— a sentiment that never fails to bring humor and warmth to our shared journey.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
From a young age, I grasped the realities unfolding around me, recognizing the unfortunate devaluation of education for women in my culture. None of the women in my family, including my mother, had the chance to pursue an education, leaving marriage as the inevitable next step for all of them, myself included. Determined to break this pattern, I embarked on a journey to fight for my right to education, pleading with my mom to stand by me.
Fortunately, I managed to secure an education and pushed myself to excel in every endeavor, driven by a desire to showcase that women are just as capable as men. Today, as a proud graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, my commitment to the cause persists. I remain steadfast in advocating for the education of young girls in my culture, envisioning a future where it not only transforms individual lives but also reshapes our cultural norms for the better.
Contact Info:
- Website: 1loveorg.org / mollelproductions.com
- Instagram: angelmollel11
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelannamollel?mibextid=nwBsNb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-mollel-136b1421b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: angelmollel11
- Youtube: Mollel Productions
Image Credits
Photo 1: Tony and Angel Photo 2: Angel grew up in, Mom in front Photo 3: Angel in Tanzania with CU Boulder Study Abroad Class Photo 4: Well water brought by 1 Love Photo 5: Angel planting a garden using well water Photo 6: Kendall who partnered with Angel in front of the well tanks Photo 7: Children from the village Photo 8: Angel with her sisters