🎓 Scholar & Trailblazer

In 2020, I began my doctoral journey during a global pandemic — a bold leap fueled by purpose and persistence. As a born-and-raised North Carolina girl and former basketball player who grew up in the '90s, I’ve always been a fan of Michael Jordan. Watching The Last Dance that year reignited something in me. His mindset, discipline, and legacy became personal symbols of endurance and excellence.

I graduated in 2023 — The Jordan Year — and it truly felt like winning the championship. My motto through it all?

“Starts with hard work, ends with champagne.” ~Michael Jordan

But becoming “Dr. CM” was never the original plan. As a first-generation college graduate, I set out to become a teacher, not an educational leader with a doctorate. It was through my personal experiences as a learner, as a sister to a brother on the autism spectrum, and as an educator working with students and families, that I truly understood the power of access. Watching my parents advocate for my brother taught me that when systems fall short, families rise — and that became my why.

📢 Advocate for Access

On this day, I was in Raleigh speaking with legislators about increasing funding for College Advising Corps. As the NC Partnership Director, I championed five university programs — Appalachian State, Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, and NC State — to expand support for first-generation and low-income students across the state.

I ran into Dr. Kelli R. Brown, the Chancellor of my alma mater, Western Carolina University, who captured the moment and celebrated the work on her official IG account.

“Ran into Ed.D. alumnus Dr. Cassandra Martin ‘23 while in Raleigh recently! Love seeing our Catamounts across the state!” ~@WCUChancellor

💼 Founder & Visionary

Returning home after a consulting trip where I partnered with a dynamic group of nonprofit leaders to reimagine how they serve families.

I’ve spent over 15 years in education, and one thing I know for sure: closing opportunity gaps doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategic planning, courageous decision-making, and bold risk. I founded CARDINAL Ed. in 2021 to help families and schools do just that — to move with clarity, intention, and purpose.

As a licensed principal and trained superintendent, I’ve led multimillion-dollar initiatives, designed district equity frameworks, and helped students secure over $1 million in scholarships. I approach every partnership with systems thinking, lived experience, and an unapologetic heart, always guided by the belief:

“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” ~Alexandra Den Heijer