Meet a USAC Member: Cassanora Lampley
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
I am the Associate Director of Employee Experience and EDI Excellence in Career Advancement and Engagement.
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
6 years in June. I was previously in Student Care Coordination.
What has been your career journey to lead you to where you are today?
My background is in youth and family mental health. In 2020, while working in Student Care Coordination I felt that many of us in student facing roles were pouring out an abundance of support while also navigating COVID and racial injustice. I needed and desired support and there just weren’t enough available resources for employees. That experience fortified my desire to support my colleagues – which led me to my current role but also to serving in USAC.
What is the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?
You are replaceable at work; you are not replaceable at home. Always make time for the most important thing!
What is the best perk you have ever had at a job?
My very first big girl job gave all employees their birthday off as an additional vacation day!
What do you enjoy doing to relieve stress?
Traveling! It is my FAVORITE thing! I want to see as much of the world as I possibly can!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An R&B singer. I love the genre but stage fright pretty much made that a no go.
If you could visit any country with no budget, where would you visit?
Mauritius! It’s a beautiful country but traveling there from the US is a hike and the flights are a bit steep.
What has been your favorite vacation you have ever been on?
Scottsdale, AZ! I went to the desert and fell in love. I’ve been itching to get back since summer 2021!
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at?
I like to think I’m pretty good at empathizing and advocating. I think it’s impossible to do the latter effectively if you struggle with the former.
What is something on your bucket list?
Cliff diving – every video I’ve seen of people doing it looks like pure joy! I just need to learn to swim first.
What skill or talent would you most like to learn?
I’d love to learn to read music and play the piano!