Cara Alaunia Rascoe (Gows)
My career path has been deeply shaped by my personal experience as a young single mother. When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter during my first year of community college, I made a conscious decision to pursue a career that would allow me to provide stability for her, which led me into the healthcare field. From 2010 to 2017, I worked in a variety of healthcare roles supporting individuals and helping them navigate complex systems to access the care and services they needed.
During that time, I became increasingly aware of the systemic barriers many individuals and families face, which inspired me to transition into direct service work. After earning my associate degree from Bunker Hill Community College and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lesley University, I entered the nonprofit sector to work more closely with families.
I began as a mobility mentor, supporting mothers and families in working toward self sufficiency through goal setting, accountability, and ongoing support. I later worked in a women’s shelter, assisting families navigating crisis situations. For the past three years, I have worked with the Jeremiah Program, where I support single mothers pursuing higher education while managing the many responsibilities and challenges that come with parenting.
In my current role, I manage a caseload of approximately 25 mothers, meeting with them regularly to support a wide range of needs, including academic challenges, housing instability, and navigating access to benefits and services. Many of the families I work with have neurodivergent children, and I have supported them in navigating the IEP process within school systems. This work is also deeply personal to me, as I am the mother of a neurodivergent son, which has further strengthened my commitment to advocacy and equitable access to services.
In addition to my work with families, I serve as a Threshold Community Coach at Lesley University, where I support neurodivergent students and adults in developing independent living and life skills. I am also actively involved with the Cambridge Families of Color Coalition, where I serve on the Steering Committee and collaborate with community leaders to address systemic inequities and strengthen family engagement within educational systems.
I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Business Management and Leadership at Western Governors University, while also completing a Community Advocacy and Leadership certificate. I remain committed to continuously building my skills and expanding my impact.
My long term goal is to establish a mentoring and advocacy program for neurodivergent children and their families, equipping parents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to effectively navigate complex systems and advocate for their children, while also providing children with a sense of belonging and a space where they can thrive.
• Associate degree from Bunker Hill Community College
• Bachelor's in Psychology from Lesley University
• Master's degree in Business and Leadership from Western Governance University (in progress)
• Community Leadership and Advocacy Certificate from Urban College of Boston
• Cambridge Families of Color Coalition
• Union Capital Boston
• Boston While Black
• Internship with Cambridge for Families Color Coalition
• Mentor with Alray Scholars
• Grant reader with Grass Roots
What do you attribute your success to?
I truly attribute my success to my parents and grandparents, who laid the foundation for who I am today. They taught me the importance of strength, determination, and perseverance, and how to keep going even when things are difficult. Their influence has stayed with me in every decision I have made.
My family remained a constant source of guidance, always there to redirect and support me without judgment. My grandparents embodied what it means to be hardworking, loving, and generous. My mother, who began her college journey in her early thirties, showed me that it is never too late to keep going and planted the belief that I could do the same. My father worked tirelessly to provide, demonstrating unwavering dedication and sacrifice.
My parents not only set the example but also created opportunities that allowed me to see beyond my circumstances. Their support gave me the ability to re author my family’s path and build something different for myself and my children.
I am also deeply driven by my daughter, who I raised while still growing up myself, an experience that forced me to mature quickly and shaped the woman I am today. My son continues to motivate me to strive for more and to keep learning. My husband, along with my village, has supported me in ways that have allowed me to keep going and keep growing. The families I work with constantly remind me of my purpose and why this work matters. I am equally grateful for the mentors and supervisors who have poured into me along the way, encouraging me to keep pushing forward.
My lived experiences have also taught me that life is not to be taken for granted, to seize every opportunity to grow and improve, and to remember that we have the authority to shape our own outcomes. I believe in not sitting in pain, but in transforming it into purpose.
Because of all of them, I am able to continue growing, creating opportunities, and building a legacy rooted in resilience, purpose, and possibility.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that I have the authority to make my life better. That understanding shifted everything for me. It showed me that my path is always evolving, and that I have the ability to grow, adapt, and create new opportunities aligned with where I am going. I can continue to seize opportunities and turn my experiences into purpose. Along the way, I have learned to give myself and others grace, understanding that growth is not always linear. I also strive to stay aligned with my values, making intentional choices that reflect the life I am working to build.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to know that you belong here. Do not wait until you feel fully ready, because growth happens in the process. Use your voice, trust your instincts, and do not shrink yourself to fit into spaces that were not built with you in mind. Stay aligned with your purpose, give yourself grace, and remember that the work you do has the power to change lives, including your own.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the growing demand for support while resources and staffing have not kept pace. Many professionals are managing high caseloads and navigating complex systems while supporting individuals and families through difficult circumstances, which can lead to burnout.
At the same time, there is a powerful opportunity. There is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, family support, and addressing systemic barriers. This creates space for more holistic, person centered approaches and for professionals with lived experience to have a meaningful impact.
For me, the opportunity lies in helping bridge those gaps by combining advocacy, education, and direct support, while also working toward systems that are more equitable and accessible for the communities we serve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, growth, and alignment. I believe in showing up authentically, treating others with respect and empathy, and continuously evolving through both challenges and opportunities. I am intentional about making sure that how I live and the work I do reflect what truly matters to me.
Locations
Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA