Angela has worked in the pro sports industry for over 30 years. She began as an NFL cheerleader with the SF 49ers, then directed the 49er cheerleaders and assisted in game day entertainment. She was with the 49ers for 14 years total, coaching the cheerleaders in four 49ers Super Bowl wins. During this time, Angela also coordinated the cheerleaders for the San Diego Chargers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and LA Clippers. In 1992, she was the founding co-director of the NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders.
Making history in 2022, Angela was one of five inaugural inductees into the first Pro Football Cheerleaders Hall of Fame.
In 1989, Angela founded the HOUSE of AKD with the vision of providing unique, quality unirofms for the pro cheer industry; made by a dancer for a dancer. Quickly her company became the go-to for great cheerleader costumes. Currently her company is not only producing for the US market but also Canada, Mexico, and has a sales office in Tokyo, Japan. As CEO of a global company, Angela oversees all operations including product and pattern development with a strong focus on garment construction.
Angela developed the technique of applying rhinestones to dance wear with an adhesive that would stretch and move with the body. She also introduced the use of leather and suede to the pro cheer world by creating a stretch foundation under a non-stretch exterior. Early in her career, Angela, along with two others, developed the first ever combination cheer/dance shoe for Capezio Ballet Makers. A shoe that is now mainstream in the industry and has been copied by other dance shoe companies.
In her career, Angela has dressed over 300,000 pro cheerleaders!
In 2022, Angela was honored to be selected as "Sports Fashion Innovator of the Year" by Luxe Magazine.
Pro Football Cheerleader Hall of Fame
Inducted 2022
Inaugural Class
"Sports Fashion Innovator of the Year"
Luxe Magazine 2022
Miss Cheerleader America Pageant
Featured Judge - Ongoing
Aspiring Magazine - International Publication
Cover Girl and Inside Feature
Cheerleader Director: San Francisco 49ers
1992-1998
Cheerleader Coordinator: San Diego Chargers
1992-1998
Sports Event Management: e2k Entertainment
1991-1998
Dancer Coordinator: Sacramento Kings 1992-1998
Dancer Coordinator: Golden State Warriors
1992-1998
Dancer Coordinator: LA Clippers
1992-1998
Co-Director: NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders
1992-1998
Pro Cheerleader: SF 49ers
1983-1989
Dancer: "Roadhouse" Film
(Kenny Ortega Dancer)
McDonalds Commercials
Multiple Live Stage Performances
"Hit The Floor" VH1 3 seasons costume supplier
"Billie Lynn's Long Walk Home" film
"The Focus" film
"Forget Paris" film
Destiny's Child, tour travel wear
"The Match" TV
"America's Next Top Model" TV
NFL Branding and Clients: 19 teams
NBA Clients: 18 teams
Multiple Professional Cheer/Dance Teams in Various Leagues
" I always admire how Angela used her passion to become the dominant brand in cheer uniforms and costumes in the NFL. Her work truly stands out and somehow she's able to exceed her designs every year. She's a great example of someone who figured out a business by combining passion and expertise."
- Fred Gaudelli NBC Producer, Sunday Night Football
"Angela's dance experience shows in every design. Each detail of comfort, fit, and style is created for a performer."
- Lisa Estrada, LA Lakers
Angela introduced the American Pro Cheerleading style to Japan in 1994. She is a recognized personality throughout Japan and frequently an honored guest at cheerleading events in Tokyo. The HOUSE of AKD maintains a presence in the country with a Japanese sales force.
In 1997, Angela brought the glamour of professional cheerleader uniforms to the Canadian Football League. This year, Angela will be an honored guest at the CFL Grey Cup Championship Game in Ottawa, Canada.