Her Story
About Cassandra
Cassandra Claxton never envisioned a career in the entertainment industry. Originally aspiring to become a surgeon, she soon realized that medicine was not the right path for her. Encouraged by a friend who recognized her natural communication abilities, outgoing personality, and talent for writing, she pursued an opportunity in media through an internship at a local radio station. That experience sparked a passion for storytelling and launched a distinguished career in broadcast journalism. She began at NBC in Baltimore as an overnight assignment desk editor, advancing to associate producer before transitioning into celebrity business management. Cassandra later returned to television production as a production assistant for a television series, steadily rising to the role of feature producer through her dedication, creativity, and leadership.
Over the course of her career, Cassandra has earned four Emmy Awards for excellence in television production, including recognition for the PBS documentary Birthing Justice, which explored maternal health disparities affecting Black and Brown communities. Her work has consistently focused on creating compelling, purpose-driven stories that inform, inspire, and elevate important social issues. With nearly three decades of experience spanning broadcast television, digital media, public relations, executive communications, and strategic storytelling, she has established herself as a respected leader at the intersection of media, technology, and communications.
Today, Cassandra serves as Founder and CEO of FORCE AI, where she helps organizations integrate artificial intelligence into strategic communications, executive branding, marketing, and public affairs. She also serves as Co-CEO of Franchise Entertainment Group, where she combines her expertise in filmmaking, media production, and AI strategy with her husband's background in DJ entertainment and radio broadcasting. Together, they develop innovative media experiences while educating organizations and professionals on the responsible and effective use of AI in communications, entertainment, and live events. Through her leadership, Cassandra continues to empower businesses and executives to embrace innovation, strengthen their brands, and confidently shape their narratives in an evolving digital landscape.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cassandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation my parents instilled in me from an early age. They taught me to believe in myself, pursue excellence with confidence, and approach every opportunity with integrity and determination. Their unwavering support and the values they modeled shaped my resilience, work ethic, and willingness to embrace new challenges, providing the confidence to grow as a leader and succeed throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to remain consistent, even when faced with obstacles or closed doors. As a minority woman, I learned that perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence are essential for overcoming barriers. Staying focused on my goals, continuing to develop my skills, and refusing to let setbacks define my path have been instrumental in building a successful and rewarding career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on doing thorough, high-quality work rather than looking for shortcuts. While shortcuts may deliver quick results, they rarely lead to long-term success or lasting credibility. Build your career on excellence, integrity, continuous learning, and consistency. By developing a strong reputation for delivering meaningful results and approaching every opportunity with professionalism, you create a foundation for sustained growth and long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been ensuring that my professional accomplishments are recognized on their own merit rather than being viewed solely through the lens of my relationship with my husband. As a woman in the entertainment industry, it is important to establish and maintain an individual professional identity built on expertise, achievements, and leadership. At the same time, the industry offers tremendous opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the ability to travel globally, engage with diverse communities, and gain valuable cultural experiences. These opportunities have not only enriched my own perspective but have also allowed my three children to develop a broader understanding and appreciation of different cultures and ways of life.
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