We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassie Leon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassie below.
Cassie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience means facing difficulties head-on rather than avoiding them. It’s about walking through challenges with perseverance, knowing that every struggle has a purpose—to refine us and make us stronger. I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t the end but stepping stones to growth. In both my career and personal life, I’ve encountered failures—sometimes more than once—but each one has pushed me to think creatively, adapt, and try again. Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about using those experiences to evolve, problem-solve, and move forward with greater wisdom. It also means recognizing when I need help and having the courage to ask for it, knowing that strength isn’t just in persistence but in learning from others along the way
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I work in the nonprofit sector, providing transitional housing and life-changing services to families experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Greater Sacramento region. As a faith-based organization, we believe in holistic healing—addressing the body, mind, and spirit—to help individuals and families rebuild their lives.
Homelessness and poverty are not just problems to be solved; they are deeply personal experiences affecting real people with unique stories. Our mission is to empower individuals by providing not just shelter, but also the accountability and resources needed to help them set and achieve goals they may have once thought were out of reach. Through mindset transformation in mental health, financial stability, and relationships, we help families move toward lasting self-sufficiency.
Currently, we house and coach 9-12 families each year, but with the growing need in our community, we are striving to expand our reach. Our goal is to increase capacity and establish a central housing property where families can not only find stability but also build a strong, supportive community. We believe that with the right opportunities and support, every individual has the power to transform their future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most important qualities to develop when working with people from hard places is having clear and defined boundaries. This is something many of us learn through trial and error, but it’s essential for both personal and professional growth. Boundaries allow us to serve others effectively while maintaining our own well-being. A great way to develop them is by clearly establishing expectations with those you work with and ensuring you have mentors or accountability partners who can remind you of your commitments and provide guidance when needed.
Empathy is another critical quality, especially when working with families and individuals in crisis. While we can never fully understand what someone else is experiencing, we can do our best to put ourselves in their shoes, listen without judgment, and meet them where they are. At the same time, true empathy isn’t just about support—it also involves accountability and encouragement.
Lastly, reflection is an incredibly valuable tool for developing both boundaries and empathy. Taking the time to assess our interactions and decisions helps us grow and avoid burnout. Personally, I find reflection most effective through conversations with my team, journaling, and prayer. These practices keep me grounded, ensure I continue to improve, and allow me to provide the right balance of support and accountability to those I serve
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Leadership is key to overcoming challenges and creating strong, successful teams. Growing up, my dad was the embodiment of true leadership in our family. His consistent demonstration of grace, generosity, and unconditional love for others has deeply influenced the way I lead and view the world.
In recent years, our relationship has evolved into one of mentorship. My dad, a certified Maxwell Coach, and I meet regularly to discuss challenges and explore creative solutions. He inspires me to be a leader who focuses on people first, believing that building strong relationships and empowering individuals leads to better outcomes. His guidance has taught me the importance of admitting mistakes rather than being defensive, asking questions and actively listening instead of dictating decisions, and inviting others to contribute ideas that might lead to new opportunities.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from him is how to navigate difficult conversations with grace and understanding. While many “managers” may shy away from tough discussions, a true leader can confront problems while maintaining strong, trusting relationships. It’s this ability to balance empathy with accountability that fosters both personal and team growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everyonemattersministries.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyonematterstojesus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everyonemattersministries/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-leon-cva-7a3a2b1b4/
Image Credits
Jennyennio Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
