Cassandra Sparks
Assistant Guest Services Manager at Hotel Bennett- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Nicole Pereira, MPA
Cassandra is just utterly amazing. As a Career Counselor, Cassandra helped me navigate my next steps. Whether that was my graduate education or my future career, she helped me explore my options and figure out my purpose and interests, leading me to figuring out where my path will lead me. I felt so lost going into applications for graduate school, but Cassandra calmed me and guided me the whole way. Not only have I had the privilege of being mentored by Cassandra, but she was also a professor of mine. As my Nonverbal Communications professor, she created a class environment that encouraged inclusivity and professional standards. This course was one of my favorite courses I have taken during my time at SUNY Oneonta and set a bar for how other courses should be taught. She is truly an inspiration to the campus as a whole and I am so lucky to call Cassandra a mentor and a friend of mine.
Melissa Ferrara
Cassandra is a passionate and dedicated Higher Education practitioner and Career Counselor. I had the pleasure of working alongside her while I was a student worker during her time as an Admissions Counselor, and more closely as her advisee in her role as a Career Counselor. Cassandra provides each of her students with support above and beyond many other practitioners in the field. She is able to individualize each student and provide them with effective and innovative strategies to discover, create, and attain their goals. I can attest to this because I was fortunate enough to have Cassandra help guide and support me in my path toward finding my passion and pursuing my career goals. Cassandra, as an educator and with the utmost patience and ethic of care, helped me, as first-generation student, understand how to navigate job and graduate school applications, resumes, and interviews. Thanks to her help and support I was able to positively distinguish myself through my application materials and interview skills in a way that earned me a spot in a competitive graduate program that allows me to pursue my passion. I consider Cassandra one of the greatest supports I had while at SUNY Oneonta, a mentor, and a friend.
Samantha Valiando
I had the pleasure of working as a student employee at the Career Development Center under the supervision of Cassandra for 3 years. During my time working with Cassandra she not only helped me thrive in my position as a peer assistant but also helped me develop into the young professional I am today. Cassandra was more than helpful with aiding and ensuring that I did everything in my power to make myself a strong candidate for Optometry school. She exceeded my expectations with the countless career counseling sessions, resume critiques, mock interviews and I can’t forget her words of encouragement. She was so supportive throughout my time at Oneonta. Her passion for helping others and her love for her job is truly contagious and inspiring. Cassandra was a huge part of my success not only at Oneonta but even now as I’m continuing my education. I am extremely grateful for everything she did for me and still continues to do!
Nicole Pereira, MPA
Cassandra is just utterly amazing. As a Career Counselor, Cassandra helped me navigate my next steps. Whether that was my graduate education or my future career, she helped me explore my options and figure out my purpose and interests, leading me to figuring out where my path will lead me. I felt so lost going into applications for graduate school, but Cassandra calmed me and guided me the whole way. Not only have I had the privilege of being mentored by Cassandra, but she was also a professor of mine. As my Nonverbal Communications professor, she created a class environment that encouraged inclusivity and professional standards. This course was one of my favorite courses I have taken during my time at SUNY Oneonta and set a bar for how other courses should be taught. She is truly an inspiration to the campus as a whole and I am so lucky to call Cassandra a mentor and a friend of mine.
Melissa Ferrara
Cassandra is a passionate and dedicated Higher Education practitioner and Career Counselor. I had the pleasure of working alongside her while I was a student worker during her time as an Admissions Counselor, and more closely as her advisee in her role as a Career Counselor. Cassandra provides each of her students with support above and beyond many other practitioners in the field. She is able to individualize each student and provide them with effective and innovative strategies to discover, create, and attain their goals. I can attest to this because I was fortunate enough to have Cassandra help guide and support me in my path toward finding my passion and pursuing my career goals. Cassandra, as an educator and with the utmost patience and ethic of care, helped me, as first-generation student, understand how to navigate job and graduate school applications, resumes, and interviews. Thanks to her help and support I was able to positively distinguish myself through my application materials and interview skills in a way that earned me a spot in a competitive graduate program that allows me to pursue my passion. I consider Cassandra one of the greatest supports I had while at SUNY Oneonta, a mentor, and a friend.
Samantha Valiando
I had the pleasure of working as a student employee at the Career Development Center under the supervision of Cassandra for 3 years. During my time working with Cassandra she not only helped me thrive in my position as a peer assistant but also helped me develop into the young professional I am today. Cassandra was more than helpful with aiding and ensuring that I did everything in my power to make myself a strong candidate for Optometry school. She exceeded my expectations with the countless career counseling sessions, resume critiques, mock interviews and I can’t forget her words of encouragement. She was so supportive throughout my time at Oneonta. Her passion for helping others and her love for her job is truly contagious and inspiring. Cassandra was a huge part of my success not only at Oneonta but even now as I’m continuing my education. I am extremely grateful for everything she did for me and still continues to do!
Nicole Pereira, MPA
Cassandra is just utterly amazing. As a Career Counselor, Cassandra helped me navigate my next steps. Whether that was my graduate education or my future career, she helped me explore my options and figure out my purpose and interests, leading me to figuring out where my path will lead me. I felt so lost going into applications for graduate school, but Cassandra calmed me and guided me the whole way. Not only have I had the privilege of being mentored by Cassandra, but she was also a professor of mine. As my Nonverbal Communications professor, she created a class environment that encouraged inclusivity and professional standards. This course was one of my favorite courses I have taken during my time at SUNY Oneonta and set a bar for how other courses should be taught. She is truly an inspiration to the campus as a whole and I am so lucky to call Cassandra a mentor and a friend of mine.
Melissa Ferrara
Cassandra is a passionate and dedicated Higher Education practitioner and Career Counselor. I had the pleasure of working alongside her while I was a student worker during her time as an Admissions Counselor, and more closely as her advisee in her role as a Career Counselor. Cassandra provides each of her students with support above and beyond many other practitioners in the field. She is able to individualize each student and provide them with effective and innovative strategies to discover, create, and attain their goals. I can attest to this because I was fortunate enough to have Cassandra help guide and support me in my path toward finding my passion and pursuing my career goals. Cassandra, as an educator and with the utmost patience and ethic of care, helped me, as first-generation student, understand how to navigate job and graduate school applications, resumes, and interviews. Thanks to her help and support I was able to positively distinguish myself through my application materials and interview skills in a way that earned me a spot in a competitive graduate program that allows me to pursue my passion. I consider Cassandra one of the greatest supports I had while at SUNY Oneonta, a mentor, and a friend.
Samantha Valiando
I had the pleasure of working as a student employee at the Career Development Center under the supervision of Cassandra for 3 years. During my time working with Cassandra she not only helped me thrive in my position as a peer assistant but also helped me develop into the young professional I am today. Cassandra was more than helpful with aiding and ensuring that I did everything in my power to make myself a strong candidate for Optometry school. She exceeded my expectations with the countless career counseling sessions, resume critiques, mock interviews and I can’t forget her words of encouragement. She was so supportive throughout my time at Oneonta. Her passion for helping others and her love for her job is truly contagious and inspiring. Cassandra was a huge part of my success not only at Oneonta but even now as I’m continuing my education. I am extremely grateful for everything she did for me and still continues to do!
Nicole Pereira, MPA
Cassandra is just utterly amazing. As a Career Counselor, Cassandra helped me navigate my next steps. Whether that was my graduate education or my future career, she helped me explore my options and figure out my purpose and interests, leading me to figuring out where my path will lead me. I felt so lost going into applications for graduate school, but Cassandra calmed me and guided me the whole way. Not only have I had the privilege of being mentored by Cassandra, but she was also a professor of mine. As my Nonverbal Communications professor, she created a class environment that encouraged inclusivity and professional standards. This course was one of my favorite courses I have taken during my time at SUNY Oneonta and set a bar for how other courses should be taught. She is truly an inspiration to the campus as a whole and I am so lucky to call Cassandra a mentor and a friend of mine.
Melissa Ferrara
Cassandra is a passionate and dedicated Higher Education practitioner and Career Counselor. I had the pleasure of working alongside her while I was a student worker during her time as an Admissions Counselor, and more closely as her advisee in her role as a Career Counselor. Cassandra provides each of her students with support above and beyond many other practitioners in the field. She is able to individualize each student and provide them with effective and innovative strategies to discover, create, and attain their goals. I can attest to this because I was fortunate enough to have Cassandra help guide and support me in my path toward finding my passion and pursuing my career goals. Cassandra, as an educator and with the utmost patience and ethic of care, helped me, as first-generation student, understand how to navigate job and graduate school applications, resumes, and interviews. Thanks to her help and support I was able to positively distinguish myself through my application materials and interview skills in a way that earned me a spot in a competitive graduate program that allows me to pursue my passion. I consider Cassandra one of the greatest supports I had while at SUNY Oneonta, a mentor, and a friend.
Samantha Valiando
I had the pleasure of working as a student employee at the Career Development Center under the supervision of Cassandra for 3 years. During my time working with Cassandra she not only helped me thrive in my position as a peer assistant but also helped me develop into the young professional I am today. Cassandra was more than helpful with aiding and ensuring that I did everything in my power to make myself a strong candidate for Optometry school. She exceeded my expectations with the countless career counseling sessions, resume critiques, mock interviews and I can’t forget her words of encouragement. She was so supportive throughout my time at Oneonta. Her passion for helping others and her love for her job is truly contagious and inspiring. Cassandra was a huge part of my success not only at Oneonta but even now as I’m continuing my education. I am extremely grateful for everything she did for me and still continues to do!
Experience
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Hotel Bennett
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United States
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Hospitality
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1 - 100 Employee
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Assistant Guest Services Manager
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Mar 2023 - Present
•Create an elevated luxury experience for guests to ensure they have a positive & memorable experience throughout their entire stay •Collaborate with multiple departments, including the front desk, bell attendants, and concierge to anticipate and exceed guests’ expectations •Lead a diverse team of dedicated & dynamic servant leaders •Create an elevated luxury experience for guests to ensure they have a positive & memorable experience throughout their entire stay •Collaborate with multiple departments, including the front desk, bell attendants, and concierge to anticipate and exceed guests’ expectations •Lead a diverse team of dedicated & dynamic servant leaders
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Motivational Speaker and Coach
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Nov 2022 - Present
Founder of Cassandra Sparks, a motivational speaking and coaching company that helps folks live boldly and live authentically. Founder of Cassandra Sparks, a motivational speaking and coaching company that helps folks live boldly and live authentically.
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Keller Williams Upstate NY Properties
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United States
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Real Estate
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1 - 100 Employee
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Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
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Sep 2019 - Apr 2023
•Led and grew a team of four diverse and talented professionals on the Hillside Vista Properties Team at Keller Williams Upstate NY Properties •Set and achieved business goals that resulted in doubling production YOY •Utilized robust professional marketing background to create and execute customized marketing plans for sellers' properties •Implemented creative problem-solving strategies while collaborating with other real estate professionals, lending professionals, and attorneys to close deals in a timely manner, and ensure clients receive consistent, clear, and empathetic communication throughout their real estate journey Show less
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SUNY Oneonta
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United States
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Higher Education
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300 - 400 Employee
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Dec 2014 - Jan 2020
•Provided career coaching on a daily basis to undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni•Empowered students to feel prepared for their next stop by providing reviews of application materials for an internship, graduate school and/or employment opportunities, including résumé or cover letters, and facilitated mock interview experiences•Presented career development topics to students and faculty in groups ranging from 10-300 people•Hired, trained, and supervised five diverse student staff members each academic year•Created engaging content for and manage the Career Development Center's three social media channels: Facebook @career.oneonta, Instagram & Twitter @SUNYOneonta_CDC•Led ten professionals from five departments across the institution in the planning of Graduation Headquarters, an innovative annual event designed to streamline all Commencement-related activities into one physical space for the convenience of the student customer•Managed the First Destination Survey project to gather information about students' professional plans after graduating from SUNY Oneonta•Collaborated with colleagues from fifteen offices across the institution to successfully administer the electronic First Destination Survey to three graduating cohorts totaling 1,500 students each year•Developed and implemented an integrated, multi-faceted awareness campaign for the First Destination Survey, including a social media campaign for gathering first destination outcomes using #PinUrPath Show less
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Jan 2017 - May 2018
•Taught courses in Nonverbal Communication and Creating Persuasive Campaigns•Illuminated the prevalence of nonverbal communication throughout our daily lives•Coached five small groups of students through the creation of a multi-faceted ideological marketing campaign•Evaluated tests, written assignments, creative projects, and informative speeches
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Nov 2009 - Dec 2014
•Represented the College positively and professionally in all recruitment activities and provided information to the College’s multiple stakeholders: prospective students, families, alumni and school personnel•Presented to large groups of 50-200 prospective students and their families and educated them the college admission process•Motivated and coached applicants through the admission process, and rendered appropriate decisions for over 900 prospective transfer applications each year•Connected accepted students with on-campus and community resources to support their matriculation •Assisted in supervising ten student staff who served as the first point of contact for campus visitors Show less
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Aug 2009 - Dec 2009
•Taught courses in Introduction to Communication and Argumentation •Demonstrated exceptional public speaking skills•Motivated students to advocate for their perspective
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May 2009 - Aug 2009
•Presented information about campus policies to the College’s multiple external constituencies: wrestling, music, and volleyball camp directors, parents, & campers•Supervised a diverse staff of eight student resident advisers
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Cleinman Performance Partners
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United States
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Business Consulting and Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Independent Coach and Consultant
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Oct 2018 - Oct 2018
•Coached thirteen business development and consulting professionals to enhance their public speaking skills •Adapted content of a 4.5-hour training session to meet the needs of a wide range of comfort and skill levels related to public speaking •Coached thirteen business development and consulting professionals to enhance their public speaking skills •Adapted content of a 4.5-hour training session to meet the needs of a wide range of comfort and skill levels related to public speaking
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Texas State University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Graduate Teaching Assistant in Communication Studies
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Aug 2007 - May 2009
•Demonstrated exceptional communication skills by teaching fundamental communication principles to diverse groups of 60-90 students each semester while enrolled full-time in graduate school •Graded tests, projects, informative and persuasive speeches •Demonstrated exceptional communication skills by teaching fundamental communication principles to diverse groups of 60-90 students each semester while enrolled full-time in graduate school •Graded tests, projects, informative and persuasive speeches
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Education
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2007 - 2009
Texas State University
Master of Arts - MA, Communication -
2003 - 2007
SUNY Oneonta
Bachelor of Science (BS), Communication, General
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