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Meet Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action

We’re thrilled to share that Angela Ferrell-Zabala will serve as Moms Demand Action’s first-ever Executive Director! She’s a lifelong community organizer passionate about bringing people together and a Washington, DC-based mom of four. In her new role, Angela will continue to lead Everytown’s grassroots advocacy efforts of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action and help craft a vision for the next decade of our life-saving advocacy.

Get to know Angela:

What brought you to the gun violence prevention movement?

I’m a longtime volunteer and grassroots organizer, and I’ve had the chance to work on a number of causes that are important to me over the past two decades: women’s rights, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, reproductive rights, racial justice and education. Having my children made me want to do everything in my power to keep them—and all children in this country—safe.

I joined Everytown for Gun Safety in 2019 as the Senior Vice President of Movement Building, where I had the opportunity to see the power of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers firsthand and work on a number of important cultural, corporate and national programs and partnerships. Throughout my time in this movement, I’ve been continually honored to work alongside gun violence survivors, who inspire me to keep going with their grace, courage and resilience.

Why did you want to work with Moms Demand Action in particular?

When my twins were small, I told them, “If you ever get lost, find a mom. She’ll help you.” When I met Shannon Watts years ago, we immediately clicked—and I realized that she had taken that same advice and used it to change the world. I couldn’t wait to roll up my sleeves and join the other moms in this movement.

Throughout my life, I’ve seen the power women have to change the world. We’re the glue in our communities and we care for people—we’re amazing advocates. But I’ve also seen how women aren’t always given a seat at the table even when they have a lot of the solutions. I wanted to be part of a movement that gave women the tools they needed to make the changes they wanted, and that is Moms Demand Action through and through.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My wife and I have four kids: 21-year-old twins—a son and a daughter—and two younger daughters, who are 7 and 5. They are my inspiration to always meet the world with kindness, and they encourage me to slow down and find the moments of laughter and beauty in everyday life. We’re lucky to have my mom living close by, and, in addition to being my shero, she helps me balance the demands of parenting and work.

Why is your mom your shero?

My mom taught me about social justice and instilled in me from a young age the importance of helping others. We worked hard for everything we had, and she always made a way for us—I never felt without. She showed me we have a voice and a place even in the hardest circumstances. She is still the one I turn to for advice and encouragement.

How do you take care of yourself while doing this work?

My faith plays a big role in my life, and I pray, meditate and take walks when I need to reflect and reconnect with my purpose. I grew up in a very multi faith tradition and I lean on that when this work is hard. I also love to dance—even in the grocery store. My younger daughters love it, my older kids put up with it!

What are you most looking forward to as we continue to build our movement?

Angela Ferrell-Zabala taking a selfie with Moms Demand Action volunteers

I love bringing together people from all different backgrounds to work on a common goal, and I’ve always believed that our diversity is our strength at Moms Demand Action. I’m looking forward to continuing to welcome more parents, students, educators, faith leaders, mayors, law enforcement leaders, artists and more into our movement, because I know that what unites on this issue is so much greater than what divides us. In my previous role, I had the opportunity to build some great relationships with community partners and organizations across the country, and I’m excited to continue that work as well.

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