Cassandra Burton is a thought leader, researcher, educator, storyteller, and professional in the space of aging and nonprofit organizations leadership. She specializes in diversity equity, inclusion and belonging.  Currently, Cassandra is a Consumer Insights Manager at AARP, where she provides content expertise on internal and external aging issues with a focus on LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and Black communities.  She has led the AARP LGBTQ research and partnered with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, SAGE and the National Center for Trans Equity to advocate for, leverage and disseminate LGBTQ research and insights.  Her passion is around issues that impact Black women, LGBTQ people, young adults, and multicultural/multiethnic populations. Cassandra spends a lot of time speaking at conferences and at organizations around the country about diversity, equity and inclusion.

She has served as the interim Senior Manager for the People with Disabilities Audience where she supported the creation of the strategic plan for the national strategy. Cassandra is the liaison to key national external partners, such as non-profits and People with Disabilities spokespeople and experts; and internal partners such as the AARP Employee Resource Groups, and stakeholders.

As a part-time educator within Georgia’s community college system, she teaches Introduction to Sociology, Diversity and Aging, and Introduction to Gerontology to students who are first generation American and many who are first generation college students. Her classroom is infused with lessons on life, equality, justice and attempting to help students become social change agents. 

Through her consulting company CantaveSolutions, Cassandra conducts trainings, DEI audits, board retreats, and research on LGBTQ+ and other populations.  Cassandra is also a notable and engaging speaker.

Cassandra holds a Master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University, a Master’s degrees in Sociology from Howard University and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certification from the American Management Association.