Meet Cassandra Houston | Human Resources Director/Best Selling Author

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

Hi Cassandra, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?

I am from a small town called Dolomite outside of Birmingham, Alabama born and raised. I was raised with 5 other siblings, 4 sisters and 1 brother. My mom and dad were married for over 50 years. Family is the most important part of my life. My parents made sure that we understood that no matter what, we stick together as a family. They instilled in us, faith in God, integrity, leadership, humility, dedication, and respect among just a few. We saw both our mom and dad work hard to insure we were self-sufficient and that we received the best education. Though, we did not understand their strict values then, it made us who we are today. They taught us never to give up and that God is in control of our past, future, and present. How I lead today is what I was taught from my parents. Desire to achieve success stems from my parents’ faith in God and in their children. They motivated us to become the best. Failure was not a word that was used in our household. We were taught that when we make mistakes, it is not failure. Only a learning tool to get better. I am who I am today because of my family. They motivated me, even when they did not know they were motivating me. My son gave me courage to succeed even when I felt like giving up on my dreams. I tried to be a role model for him and show him that no matter what mistakes you make, you are still important, and goals can be achieved with perseverance, faith in God and belief in yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I think we all have attributes that sets up apart from others. That is why God made us different from everyone else. My differences give me hope and faith. It helps me to forgive others and to help those that would not otherwise help me. My differences help me to be creative in my own way and to encourage others like they’ve encouraged me.

I am most proud of having a great relationship with God and getting closer to him. Next, by me achieving my dreams I am motivating others to achieve their dreams. I never would have dreamed anyone would read something that I wrote or being a best-selling author. I am proud of myself for pushing through the challenges. At the end of the day, I can say “I did it”.

Being a professional woman of color can be difficult to survive in a workplace where stereotyping and discrimination is prevalent. Having to prove your value on a constant can be emotionally draining. I looked past the ignorance and saw it as a chance to educate those that had bias ideas. I never sacrificed my integrity nor who I was as a person. You can educate the ignorant without them knowing you are educating them. I worked very hard to get to this point in my career. Therefore, you must educate the ignorant by proving to them that their way of thinking has no value towards your success.

I’ve learned that if you never take risks, you will never know your true potential.
No one can define your value except for yourself. Therefore, holding yourself accountable, believing in yourself, ignoring the biases, faith in God, and knowing your value is the key to success.

I want the world to know, you don’t know me now, but just wait. You will see me, you will recognize me, you will ask for me.

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, there is so much to do, that a week would not be long enough in the city. But I would start with the National Parks like Yosemite, Muir Woods, then San Francisco to tour the Golden Gate Bridge. I would have them tour the famous Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Monterrey, and a drive down the coast. Places to eat, I would recommend Fixin’s Soul Kitchen in Sacramento, Fog Harbor Fish House, and John’s Grill in San Francisco. The boat tours are fun with live music, and dancing. Tommy T’s comedy club and the Blue Note are some exciting places to visit. And of course, Napa Valley.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My shoutout goes to my Lord God Almighty, my family, my Dolomite community family, book supporters at Covenant Living of Turlock, The Turlock Rotary, book supporters at The Utility Reform Network, Palikari Business Podcast, Viewpoint with Seeta and Friends Talk Show, and the Best-Selling Author Podcast. These platforms and supporters encouraged me either through purchasing my book, through speaking engagements and just moral support. And my Angel in heaven my dad keeping a careful watch over me and my family. Support from others is the best encouragement you can have. When others believe in you, you have no reason not to believe in yourself.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-houston-8536471a2

Facebook: Leading From Within, Leading With A Purpose