Angela Pitter is a seasoned entrepreneur, digital strategy expert, and civic leader whose work spans from managing online narratives for businesses to fostering community growth in Newton, Massachusetts. Whether helping executives refine their personal brand or championing small business needs, Pitter’s journey is defined by action, empathy, and a commitment to inclusive impact.
From the Bronx to Boston: Early Life and Education
Pitter’s story begins in the Bronx, New York, where she grew up with curiosity and ambition. She attended The Bronx High School of Science, a prestigious public school known for its rigorous academic standards. Her early fascination with technology and problem-solving would later shape her career path.
After high school, Pitter made the move to Boston to pursue her undergraduate degree in computer engineering at Boston University. Transitioning from the Bronx to Boston was a cultural shift, one that Pitter recalls as eye-opening and formative.
“I was kind of shocked when I came to Boston and said, ‘Where is everybody else?’ There were so few non-white peers, and the vibe was completely different,” Pitter reflected.
Despite the culture shock, she immersed herself in her studies and later earned a master’s degree in administration — laying a strong foundation for both her technical skills and leadership capabilities.
Professional Beginnings and Public Service
After graduation, Pitter continued living in the Boston area and eventually moved to Newton in 1991. For many years, she worked in the tech industry, gaining valuable experience across roles that deepened her understanding of systems, teams, and organizational communication.
However, the financial crisis of 2008 changed the trajectory of her career. In 2011, after being laid off from her job, Pitter turned a setback into an opportunity for public engagement. She decided to run for a seat on the Newton School Committee, driven by a desire to influence local education — particularly around technology in schools.
Her campaign resonated with voters, and she became only the second Black person elected to the Newton School Committee. Pitter served three terms and played a key role in expanding classroom technology across the district.
“Believe it or not, Newton really didn’t spend any money on technology,” she explained. With fundraising and advocacy, Pitter helped bring modern tools into classrooms — a decision that proved especially important when schools shifted to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Power of Digital Communication
At the heart of Pitter’s work on the School Committee was a realization: effective communication in the digital age matters. Her experiences interacting with families and administrators helped her see firsthand how technology could amplify or limit voices.
This insight eventually sparked a new professional chapter. In 2012, Pitter founded LiveWire Collaborative, a digital marketing consultancy dedicated to helping organizations and leaders build strategic online visibility and authentic digital narratives.
LiveWire Collaborative’s mission is simple but strategic: empower clients to own their digital real estate so their stories are told intentionally, not passively shaped by external voices or outdated practices.
Owning the Online Narrative
“Your whole presence revolves online,” Pitter says. “Unless you control your digital footprint, the narrative will control you.”
Her philosophy reflects a deep understanding of how digital spaces influence public perception, lead generation, recruitment, and professional credibility. In a world where search engines and social platforms serve as first impressions, Pitter teaches organizations how to present themselves with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
A signature area of Pitter’s expertise is LinkedIn — a platform she describes as the premier place for professionals to shape how they’re perceived in the business world.
“LinkedIn is the number one place where you can own your narrative,” she explains. “It helps you own your digital footprint, your full narrative.”
Through webinars, workshops, and one-on-one coaching, Pitter has helped individuals and organizations rethink what their LinkedIn presence communicates and how it supports their goals.
Giving Back: Webinars for Alumni and Leaders
Pitter’s connection to Boston University didn’t end at graduation. As a proud alumnus, she collaborates with BU’s Alumni Career Engagement team to host widely attended LinkedIn webinars for graduates around the world.
These sessions draw hundreds of participants eager to sharpen their professional digital presence, and Pitter donates her time and expertise — amplifying her impact far beyond her consultancy clients.
Jeff Murphy, Director of Alumni Career Engagement at BU, notes: “She’s donated her time and expertise to literally thousands of BU alumni. In our last webinar alone, nearly 900 attendees participated from all over the globe.”
This reflects a larger theme in Pitter’s work: empowerment. Her focus isn’t just teaching tools; it’s helping people feel confident and equipped to navigate complicated digital landscapes on their own terms.
Clients and Community Voices
Pitter’s clients consistently highlight her ability to elevate both personal and organizational brand presence.
One longtime client, Newton resident Linda Swain, remarks:
“She is terrific at empowering others. LinkedIn presence sits at the intersection of personal brand and company reputation, and Angela helps people navigate that balance.”
What stands out in client testimonials is not just Pitter’s technical knowledge, but her ability to encourage people to think proactively about their professional identities and digital footprint.
Preparing for the Future: AI, Strategy, and Human Leadership
As digital tools evolve, so does Pitter’s work. With the rapid introduction of artificial intelligence into business processes, she has shifted part of LiveWire Collaborative’s focus to helping organizations adopt AI responsibly.
Her perspective is clear: AI should support human decision-making — not replace it.
“It’s not human in the loop; it has to be human in the lead,” Pitter says. “We each have subject-matter expertise, and we need to be able to assess AI output critically. Otherwise, it’s just letting the monster loose.”
This cautious but optimistic stance mirrors broader trends in strategic AI adoption, emphasizing ethical oversight, contextual understanding, and practical application over blind automation.
Leadership Beyond Business
Pitter’s influence extends beyond LiveWire Collaborative into civic engagement and community service. She serves as the board chair of the Charles River Regional Chamber, where she advocates for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local economic development.
Greg Reibman, Chamber President & CEO, highlights Pitter’s value:
“She’s a consistent voice for our community. Angela understands the needs of small and minority-owned businesses and helps us see the big picture.”
Her role amplifies local business needs and connects stakeholders, resources, and opportunities that strengthen regional economic resilience and inclusivity.
Founding the Newton Coalition of Black Residents
Pitter’s passion for community inclusion also led her to help establish the Newton Coalition of Black Residents in 2020. The organization emerged in the wake of nationwide calls for racial justice and served as a platform for dialogue, networking, and collective advocacy in Newton.
“It’s about bringing folks of color together to look at common issues and network,” she says. The coalition continues to support community connections and enrich the cultural landscape of the city.
Balancing Work and Life
Today, Pitter resides in Newtonville with her family. She continues to balance her professional endeavors with civic commitments, mentoring emerging leaders and exploring how technology and humanity intersect in modern workplaces.
Her career reflects a rich tapestry of accomplishments: technologist, entrepreneur, educator, activist, and community advocate. But at its core, her work is rooted in service — helping others tell their stories, grow their capabilities, and step confidently into the future.
Looking Ahead
As digital transformation accelerates and communities evolve, leaders like Angela Pitter illustrate the power of adaptability paired with intentional impact. Whether refining a LinkedIn profile or guiding a coalition, her approach marries strategy with heart — a combination that continues to inspire professionals and community members alike.
For Pitter, the work is never finished; it’s always growing, changing, and expanding into new opportunities to support others — because in her words:
“If something can be made better, I will be the one to get it done.”
