Her Story
About Cassandra
Cassandra Wesley is a dedicated domestic violence advocate with more than 30 years of experience supporting survivors and educating communities about domestic violence and spiritual abuse. She currently serves as Faith Community Outreach Manager for Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support in Dallas, Texas, where she works to build awareness, provide education, and connect faith communities with resources to better support individuals experiencing abuse. Through community events, speaking engagements, and outreach with churches and women’s groups, Cassandra helps create conversations that encourage understanding, compassion, and action. Cassandra’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. In 1986, she came to Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support as a client seeking safety for herself and her three children—an experience that became the foundation for her lifelong mission of helping others in crisis. After receiving support, education, and encouragement from Genesis, she began a career dedicated to serving survivors. She later spent 13 years as a shelter director in Las Vegas, Nevada, before returning to Genesis, where she has spent the past seven years in her current outreach role. Her experience as both a survivor and advocate gives her a unique ability to recognize trauma, understand the challenges survivors face, and meet people where they are. Throughout her career, Cassandra has remained committed to empowering women, strengthening communities, and expanding awareness around domestic violence. She was honored with the Abigail Award from Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support for faith and courage and serves as a domestic violence commissioner for the City of DeSoto, while also contributing through the DeSoto Police Clergy and DPAC. Cassandra credits the training and education she received from Genesis as a foundation for her success and encourages others entering the field to lead with openness, empathy, and a willingness to support people on their own journeys. Outside of her advocacy work, she enjoys reading and spending time with a good love story.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cassandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the counseling and education I received from Genesis. The guidance, support, and knowledge I gained through that experience helped shape my growth and strengthened my ability to serve others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to remain open-minded, seek to understand others, and recognize that every person has their own journey. It is important to meet people where they are, rather than where we expect or want them to be. Compassion, patience, and understanding are essential.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ensuring that survivors know that support is available and that they are not alone. Many people still struggle to reach out for help, so creating awareness and building trust remain important priorities.
At the same time, there is a growing opportunity as churches and faith communities are becoming more open to acknowledging and addressing issues such as spiritual abuse. Their willingness to provide support and become safe resources for survivors represents meaningful progress.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, understanding and supportive. Meeting clients where they are in their situation.
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