Cassandra is a native of Decatur, Illinois, and raised in a working class family alongside my two sisters, Tammy and Kia. Both of our parents, William and Mae Dean, worked in local factories and stressed the importance of getting a good education.

After high school, Cassandra attended Tuskegee University on a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.
 
My husband Jeff and I have been married for twenty years, and we have two adult daughters, Jasmine, Shanice, and Grandson, Zahir. We are also caretakers of my disabled sister Tammy.  
 
Professionally, I worked for SITA, a global IT firm for 20 years, ultimately promoted to Director of Sales, where I negotiated complex, multi-million dollar contracts and managed budgets and staff across the US and Canada.

Cassandra currently works for one of the world's largest IT firms where I am responsible for business development and sales to large retail customers. 
 
IN THE COMMUNITY
Cassandra has a passion for volunteering and community service. This includes the following current and past work or memberships:

• Executive Board Member of a local non-profit, Students Without Mothers

• Founder of SITA’s Women’s focused Employee Resource Group (SITA WE)

• Lifetime member of the Mableton Improvement Coalition

• Brookmere Homeowners Association Board of Directors

• River Line Historic Area Volunteer

• Volunteer/fundraiser for local and national political campaigns 

• Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated