Meet Cassandra Finley | Mother (I take this role seriously), Executive Director, Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Finley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on my children is to be present and consistent. I believe that showing up for your children is impactful by being there for them and nurturing their growth, offering love and support, and instilling discipline. I also pride myself in modeling positive behaviors. I believe that our children are our best investment.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is Youth Expressions, Inc. What sets us apart, is our holistic approach to youth development and family support. We provide peer-to-peer mentoring, tutoring, cultural enrichment, research-based education, performing arts, and sports fundamentals. Our collaboration with other community agencies amplifies our impact, ensuring we can reach and positively influence more lives.

I am most proud of the lasting difference we make in the lives of youth and families. Seeing the young people we work with grow, learn, and thrive is rewarding. I am excited about the potential for expanding our reach and continuing to offer quality programs that help individuals realize their full potential.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. Growing up, seeing many injustices, I vowed to do what I could to make a difference. As the oldest of four, I had to take on significant responsibilities early on, which shaped me into the leader I am today. These experiences taught me resilience, strength, and confidence. When life circumstances forced me to relocate and start over, my faith in God kept me grounded and gave me the perseverance to continue my mission.

Through my journey, I’ve learned the importance of dedication, hard work, and staying true to my values. I’ve also realized that challenges are growth opportunities. Every experience, whether good or bad, has contributed to my development and success.

What I want the world to know about Youth Expressions, Inc. Youth Expressions, Inc. is built on a foundation of compassion, community, and commitment. Our story is one of perseverance and the belief that every individual has the potential to achieve great things with the right support. We are dedicated to helping youth and families grow, learn, and thrive. Our programs are designed not only to educate but also to empower, ensuring that every participant can reach new heights and make a positive impact in their community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow! My Weeklong Itinerary with My Best Friend. Day 1: Relax – Pick up my best friend from the airport and head home for a relaxing afternoon. Pick up something to eat on the way from Seafood Pot 2, we both love fish. Spend the afternoon catching up and enjoying quality time together. Day 2: Show her around Douglasville. Enjoy a meal at Gumbeaux’s Cajun Café in downtown Douglasville. Day 3: We will go shopping at Cumberland and Lenox Mall.. Do some sightseeing and visit my daughter’s grave. Enjoy Chinese food at PF Chang’s. Day 4: A Trip to the City. We will start with breakfast at Highland Bakery. Visit the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. Have dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room for some traditional Southern cuisine. End the day by catching a show at the Fox Theatre. Day 5: Family and Friends Get-together with BBQ and a seafood feast at home. We will do some karaoke, play cards, and games, have good food, and great company. – End the evening with a bonfire and s’mores in the backyard. Day 6: Attend church to get our praise on. Go out after for a meal at Golden Corral. Day 7: Relax and Reflect. We will enjoy a relaxing massage from the Magic Hands of Karen at “And Why Knot Massage Therapy” to unwind and rejuvenate. Have a farewell dinner at This Is It, enjoying some final moments together before heading home to pack.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My life is what it is from the efforts, mentorship, love, and encouragement I have received. First and foremost in my life is my Creator (my relationship with God); without Him, my life is nothing. The joys of my life, my angels, my rock, my support, and my driving force are my daughters: Tenora (RIH), Nikki, Netta, Netra, Kre, and Charmaine to whom I dedicate this shoutout. My parents and grandparents, who instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance, have been my foundation. They were entrepreneurs and community leaders. My mom was one of the wisest women I know, and my dad, always encouraged me to keep going, was my eagle of hope and profoundly shaped me. My siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and my dearest friends have also been invaluable.

I am grateful for my Youth Expressions, Incorporated crew who shared in my growth. The late Reverend Dr. L. Perry McNeal, my father in the faith, provided leadership and taught me life lessons.

Lastly, and never to be taken for granted, are my life experiences. I am thankful for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Everything and everyone happens for a reason and/or a season. Today, I am wiser, I’m better, I’ve grown, and I’m now able to reach heights I may have never dared to reach without them.

My children deserve credit and recognition in my story. I’m grateful and blessed to be their mother.

Website: https://youthexpressionsinc.org