Cassandra J. Stith
Cassie Stith is a dedicated professional specializing in product specifications, marketing, and accounting, currently serving as Product Specifications Coordinator at AXN Automotive Systems in Louisville, Kentucky. Raised around cars and machine shops, Cassie gained early exposure to automotive systems and mechanical processes, giving her a natural comfort and familiarity in the field. She has been with AXN since 2017, through its rebranding from AXN Heavy Duty to AXN Automotive Systems, and has more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry. In her current role, Cassie works directly within the engineering department to manage build costs, inventory costs, and customer quotes. She collaborates closely with engineering and design teams to control costs, track purchases, and provide accurate pricing for the sales team, ensuring profitability and operational efficiency. As the company transitions from an assembly facility to a full manufacturing operation, Cassie is actively contributing to this growth, opening new opportunities to expand her expertise and impact. Throughout her career, she has thrived in male-dominated environments, from high school technical classes to professional engineering and manufacturing roles, demonstrating resilience and confidence in all settings. Cassie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Project Management from the University of Phoenix. She is highly skilled in Microsoft Office, warehouse management systems, and ERP platforms such as NetSuite. Passionate about innovation, teamwork, and process improvement, Cassie continues to advance AXN Automotive Systems’ operations while building a career grounded in technical expertise, strategic management, and a commitment to excellence.
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management
• Certificate in Leadership and Success
• University of Phoenix - BS, Project Management
• University of Phoenix - MBA
• University of Phoenix - AA
• Women in Motion Council (American Transportation Association)
What do you attribute your success to?
I’m confident in what I do and in how I present my information, which has made my work well‑respected and rarely questioned. While it can be challenging at times being a woman in this department, consistency, accuracy, and reliability have always spoken for me. I’ve spent most of my career working in male‑dominant areas of the industry, and I’ve learned the importance of standing up for what makes sense, both for myself and for the company. I don’t focus on the fact that I work mostly with men. I was raised around cars and machine shops, which gave me early exposure and a natural comfort in these environments. Even in high school, I was the only female in my heating and air conditioning class. It’s simply how I was raised, and I’ve never let it distract me from doing my job well.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stand up for yourself and trust what makes sense—both for you and for the company. If you know your work, present your information clearly, and stay consistent and reliable, your work ethic will speak for you. You can’t worry about who else is in the room; if you belong there and do your job well, that’s what matters.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn your role, understand the details, and don’t be afraid to speak up when something doesn’t make sense. Confidence comes from preparation and consistency—if you know your information and present it clearly, people will trust your work. Focus on doing the job well, stand up for what makes sense for you and for the company, and don’t let being in a male‑dominant environment distract you from where you want to go.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is keeping cost and specification accuracy in an environment where designs, materials, and supply conditions can change quickly. Small changes can have a large impact on build costs and inventory, so attention to detail and consistency are critical. At the same time, that creates a major opportunity, companies that prioritize accurate data, clear communication, and cross‑department collaboration are better positioned to manage costs and make smarter decisions. Roles like mine are becoming increasingly important, not just for tracking information, but for helping guide strategy and efficiency across engineering and operations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, consistency, and accountability are the values that matter most to me. In my work, that means being accurate, reliable, and standing behind the information I provide. I believe trust is built through follow‑through and doing things the right way, even when it takes more effort. Personally, those same values apply, showing up, being honest, and staying grounded in what makes sense. Whether it’s professionally or personally, I value hard work, clear communication, and taking responsibility for the results.