Leadership lessons from Cassandra Brown’s community work

What exactly is art, who defines it, who makes it, and where do poets, thespians, and artists congregate and create in Atlanta? We’ll use this space to catch up with a few for a few…some you may know; others we hope you’ll be pleased to meet their acquaintance.

My lovely mom was a true extrovert, gregarious, never meeting a stranger or forgetting a long-lost friend, always ready with a funny story and a robust laugh with an Eastern North Carolina lilt to accompany it. Growing up, our house was a gathering spot; she was the Mom who hosted Easter egg hunts for the entire neighborhood in our backyard, who kept her famous fresh apple cakes or breakfast casseroles ready for anyone who flocked in, or a warm place of refuge at a time of need. A retired educator, she was also deeply engaged in her community—an elections poll worker for over 20 years, leading Georgia voter registration volunteer, life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a multiple NAACP awardee during state and national conventions for her various contributions. 

While planning her funeral last month, reflecting on the stories her friends shared with me, I realized that she was more than the glue in our family or that neighbor who always had that missing recipe ingredient to borrow; Mom’s most endearing and enduring gift was the ability to engage a diverse group of people and intuitively connect with and inspire them to say “yes” and act or, as she often encouraged, to “Go, Do, Be” beyond what they ever imagined possible. 

Cassandra Brown also has these gifts. In full transparency, she and I go way back; we were roomies at Tuskegee University and know each other’s families. As a matter of fact, one of my Mom’s favorite stories to share happened at Cassandra’s wedding. They remind me a lot of each other—like Mom, Cassandra’s a great cook—her kitchen is also a communal gathering spot for memories, laughter, and healthy debates. A political science major at Tuskegee, she always had a particular acumen. Her perspective on political leadership is that you must also be a collaborator who knows how to negotiate and build coalitions because they are the key to achieving “yes” in negotiations,” which is not only something Cassandra says but lives by.

Having years of executive experience in the corporate sphere, Cassandra believes that a great leader must have a “genuine care for people… learning who they are and what they desire for themselves and their families.” She gets that personally as a caretaker for her adult sibling, Tammy, and as the family glue, like my Mom, who took care of her extended family in many ways for most of her life. 

When Cassandra’s not at one of her favorite Mableton hangs like Glen’s Cafe, you can find her entertaining on the deck of her home and listening to some of the music you might find in her playlist below.

Cassandra, the art of leadership has been explored considerably over the years. One definition is the ability to motivate and inspire people to act or “get things done.” Working with leaders in my career, I’ve noticed a particular art in how the most memorable ones lead their people, make decisions, and work through adversity. I know you have decades of experience across various sectors; how would you describe your leadership style?

Prior to this conversation, I never considered myself an artist because I viewed art in the traditional sense. However, when I reflect on your question about the artistry of my leadership style, I see there is indeed something to it. My leadership style is shaped by being the oldest child, having military training, and 35 years in corporate America. Over the years, I’ve earned the trust of my teams by consistently being accessible to them, prioritizing listening to understand, being collaborative, and using data to produce solutions. Gaining trust is crucial, especially during the toughest situations.

I’m glad you mentioned viewing art beyond the traditional sense. In part, this column explores how art is defined and, hopefully, inspires readers to look for and find it wherever it lives for them. As someone active in your community, where do you seek and find art? 

Art thrives in my community of Mableton. We are blessed to have the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook, where young performers excel in dance, choir, music, and theater. There are always public shows available to enjoy. Additionally, the Mablehouse Complex has an Arts Center, and the Amphitheater hosts shows from late spring through the fall. I also find inspiration and peace in the natural beauty within my community: the trails, creeks, and woodlands—even along the Chattahoochee River, accessible at Discovery Park at the River Line.

You recently shared something Dr. Daniel Black, a professor at Clark Atlanta University, said: “Art is supposed to dream the future; it’s supposed to give you a glimpse of who and what we could be in our higher and better selves.” I love this quote. Your long-standing interest in politics dates back to our days at Tuskegee. What does this quote mean to you regarding how you see your place in politics?

Yes, I’ve always been interested in politics and how we shape the society we want to live in. Reflecting on Dr. Black’s quote, I find both excitement and challenge in envisioning the best for myself and the place I call home. Living in a new city offers a unique opportunity to begin the work of dreaming and envisioning our future collectively. As a community leader deeply involved in several local organizations dedicated to uplifting Mableton, I am a trusted advisor and a champion for the community. For example, in my role with the Mableton Improvement Coalition, we are fighting a proposed school bus depot on Veteran’s Memorial Highway, advocating for relocating it as we work to enhance and improve Veteran’s Memorial Highway, which is the gateway to Mableton.

As a leader and champion of and for your community, how would you describe your purpose, and how have Atlanta, Mableton, and the South served as a character and backdrop for this purpose?

Great question! Although I grew up in central Illinois, the South—its people, food, and folkways—has always been a part of me because my parents were from Kentucky and Alabama and part of the Great Migration. That’s why I felt right at home attending Tuskegee University and later choosing to live in metro Atlanta. Atlanta has benefited from the leadership of two great mayors: William Hartsfield, who played a crucial role in establishing our international airport, and Maynard Jackson, who boldly ensured that all citizens had a seat at the table. Thanks to these visionaries, Atlanta has become a world-class city that attracts people and businesses from all over the globe. Throughout our conversation, a common theme has emerged: art and vision. When I think about my purpose, I focus on my vision and how to leave a better, kinder, and more sustainable community as my legacy.

As you know, our crew is already planning months ahead for the greatest homecoming ever at our beloved alma mater, Tuskegee University. In addition to that, what’s next for you?

In 2023, I ran for a seat on the inaugural City Council in Mableton. It was a 90-day sprint and one of the most fulfilling and thrilling experiences of my life. I was one of eight candidates vying for the council seat and managed to force a runoff, though I ultimately lost by around 300 votes. Losing didn’t discourage me; instead, it ignited my desire to become more deeply involved in my community and seek opportunities to serve.

In 2024, as I approached a milestone age, I decided that 35 years in corporate America was enough, and I walked away from my career. My final role was at Microsoft, and while some may have questioned my decision, my mind and heart pointed me toward public service. This year, I began a new role as Development Director for Students Without Mothers. This organization serves low-income children who have lost their mothers by providing college scholarships and wraparound services such as life coaching and mentoring. I am thrilled to serve in my new role, who knows, I might just run for that council seat again this year. Stay tuned…

You can connect with and follow Cassandra on LinkedIn or follow her on IG @mabletoncass.