Meet “Loyalty" - Cassandra Mitchell: The Community Advocate, Influencer, Speaker, Author & Podcaster Who Took No Shortcuts

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of a quote given to me by Kittie Patton: “We all have a birth certificate as well as a death certificate. You may not know when that day will approach as of yet, but we all have one. The most important part is that dash. What do you want your dash to stand for?”

This quote resonates deeply with me because it reminds us that the space between birth and death—our dash—is where we define our legacy. For me, that dash has been shaped by turning pain into purpose, lifting others up, and using my voice to make a difference. It’s a reminder that we are all given the opportunity to create meaning in our lives, not just for ourselves but for the communities we touch.

I hope this message inspires others to take charge of their own dash. No matter the challenges or setbacks, it’s within our power to fill that dash with love, service, and impact. What do you want your dash to stand for? The answer to that can guide every step you take.

“Loyalty” -Cassandra Mitchell  

Can you recall a specific moment or event that solidified your decision to pursue this path?

The moment that solidified my decision to pursue nonprofit work and ultimately start the LIE Foundation was the day I lost my brother, which happened to be on my middle daughter’s Sweet 16th birthday. That loss completely changed my life. I was thrown into a deep stage of grief and depression, isolating myself from everything around me. During that time, I refined my relationship with God and distinctly heard Him telling me, “Use your voice, Queen.” He reminded me that I had a powerful message that could help and inspire others. It was then that I realized I needed to turn my pain into purpose. That calling led me to create the Loyalty & Friends Self-Love Podcast, become a self-published author, and eventually start the LIE Foundation to serve underprivileged and underserved youth. I’m driven by the belief in the “village” approach to raising children, just as I was, and I knew I had to give back in a way that made a lasting impact.

What was the most unexpected challenge you faced early on, and how did you address it?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced early on was taking on full guardianship of my niece, who is now my daughter. This was particularly difficult because my biological children were nearly grown, with my youngest being 17 and about to graduate from high school. Now, I’m raising a 4-year-old, which was a big adjustment. But I approach the situation with all the love I can, because love conquers a multitude of challenges. Whether you’ve hurt someone or been hurt, we must keep loving one another through it all.

How did your breakthrough impact your confidence and drive?

My breakthrough had a huge impact on my confidence and drive, and it all began when I decided to share my story. By having the courage to speak about some of the traumatic experiences I had gone through, I was able to encourage others to do the same. I used my platforms to not only tell my story but to amplify the voices of others as well. I believe that by sharing our stories, people get to know us on a deeper level. When we don’t share, we’re doing a disservice, because our stories aren’t just for us—they’re meant to help others along their healing journey too.

How do your current projects challenge you in new ways compared to your past work?

My current projects, including running the nonprofit, creating books to raise funds for it, and using storytelling to give others a voice, challenge me in completely new ways compared to my past work in corporate America. Having worked in corporate since I was 14, I was used to structure, clear hierarchies, and established systems. Now, as I transition into the nonprofit and entrepreneurial space, I’m stepping into uncharted territory where I have to build everything from the ground up—there’s no blueprint.

In the nonprofit world, I’m navigating the complexities of fundraising, community outreach, and managing a mission-driven organization. Creating books challenges my creativity while also pushing me to think like an entrepreneur, considering marketing strategies and how to make my work sustainable.

Storytelling and using my platform to elevate voices bring a new level of responsibility. It’s no longer just about executing tasks within a corporate structure; it’s about leading a movement, connecting emotionally with people, and ensuring my message resonates. This chapter of my life requires vulnerability, adaptability, and faith that I didn’t need in my corporate roles.

How important is persistence in achieving success, and how can one cultivate it?

Persistence is crucial in achieving success because it keeps you moving forward, even when challenges arise or progress seems slow. Success often takes time, and setbacks are inevitable. Those who persist are able to learn from failures, adapt, and continue striving toward their goals. Persistence bridges the gap between intention and achievement, turning vision into reality.

To cultivate persistence, one can:

1. Set Clear Goals: Having a clear purpose and direction makes it easier to stay motivated through obstacles.

2. Break It Down: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to celebrate small victories.

3. Embrace Failure: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of seeing them as final, view them as learning opportunities.

4. Build Discipline: Consistency is key. Create habits that keep you focused and working toward your goals, even on days you feel unmotivated.

5. Develop a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you to keep going, especially when you feel discouraged.

6. Stay Positive: Cultivating a growth mindset helps you stay optimistic and focused on solutions rather than problems.

   
   

Persistence is not just about pushing through difficulties but doing so with intention, reflection, and adaptability.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of a quote given to me by Kittie Patton: “We all have a birth certificate as well as a death certificate. You may not know when that day will approach as of yet, but we all have one. The most important part is that dash. What do you want your dash to stand for?”

This quote resonates deeply with me because it reminds us that the space between birth and death—our dash—is where we define our legacy. For me, that dash has been shaped by turning pain into purpose, lifting others up, and using my voice to make a difference. It’s a reminder that we are all given the opportunity to create meaning in our lives, not just for ourselves but for the communities we touch.

I hope this message inspires others to take charge of their own dash. No matter the challenges or setbacks, it’s within our power to fill that dash with love, service, and impact. What do you want your dash to stand for? The answer to that can guide every step you take.

Check out "Loyalty" - Cassandra's company: LIE Foundation

Follow her on social media: Social Media Card