We recently connected with Kassandra Timothe and have shared our conversation below.

Kassandra , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

During the global pandemic, while everything was moving slow, and there wasnt much to do, I had one of the busiest year ever. The pandemic led me take one of the biggest risk ever… I left my job, in the midst of pandemic, when many were losing their jobs… to invest in myself. by running for office… The money I saved to buy a house, I ended using it all, over 20k to invest in my campaign for North Miami City Council. And on June 1, 2021, I fufilled my dream, of running for office by being elected as the first black, the first of Haitian descent and the youngest person elected to serve in North Miami’s District 2.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Kassandra Timothe was born and raised in North Miami, a few blocks away from W.J. Bryan Elementary and North Miami Middle where she attended grade school. A true North Miami native, Kassandra lives, works and plays in the heart and pulse of the City in District 2.

Tenacious in spirit, Kassandra began working at North Miami’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at the young age of 15. She initially was hired as a summer camp counselor and was promoted through the years by her mentor Bonnie Clearwater to Junior Docent Coordinator, Assistant Camp Director and her last role at MOCA was in 2012, as the General Obligation Bond Education Outreach Coordinator. While the bond was defeated, later that year, Kassandra joined Bonnie and North Miami officials for a trip to Washington, D.C. where MOCA received the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for libraries and museums that are serving their communities in exceptional ways. Kassandra was able to tour the White House, Michelle Obama’s garden and sat down for her second recorded interview.

Kassandra attributes her passion for politics to her late father who instilled in her the power of hard work. After completing her Political Science studies at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, FL, Kassandra landed her first temporary government gig with Florida State Representative Janet Cruz (now Senator Janet Cruz). During her time in the Tampa and Tallahassee offices, Kassandra was afforded the opportunity to speak out against the closing of USF’s satellite campus and there her passion for policy grew. A more permanent opportunity presented itself in Florida State Senator Arthenia L. Joyner’s office, someone Kassandra admired since seeing her picture in Dr. Susan McManus’s Florida Politics textbook. Kassandra was finally working for her s-hero, a Delta, an attorney and amazing civil rights activist. From slashing funding for student grants and scholarships to watching USF lose millions of dollars, Kassandra knew her passion was government and legislation but one thing was missing, home.

As the Legislative Aide for Councilwoman Lisa Montelione in the City of Tampa, District 7, Kassandra realized the power of local government but she knew this job would be more meaningful if she were home. In May 2015, Kassandra joined the City of North Miami in the Public Information Office, a position she thanks Pam Solomon for selecting and preparing her for. Kassandra and Pam worked briefly on the MOCA’s Bond Campaign and thought she would be the perfect fit for the job, as Pam prepared for her departure. With tough shoes to fill, as PIO, Kassandra became the face and spokesperson for the City of North Miami, a role she knew would later prepare and position her for a run one day. Kassandra planned in her later years to run for office, after her pension was vested, but never imagined the time would be now. But the time is now.

Kassandra has over ten years of governmental experience and is ready to take her experience to the mountaintop. She graduated in 2012 with a Political Science degree from the University of South Florida and in May 2020, from Florida International University with her Masters in Public Administration. Kassandra is a loving daughter, spirited sister and amazing auntie who’s ready to change the world. Starting home with North Miami…

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My first piece of advice. Get involved. Join a board. Volunteer. Show up at community meetings and events. Learn as much as you can in your area of interest (education, economic development, parks and rec, youth engagement, elderly services wherever your heart is being called to serve), learn as much as you can…

Because knowing and being informed is half the battle. Know who your local and state elected officials are. Make an impression and make sure they know who you are.. Find good mentors who are willing and able to elevate you. Trust the process, believe in yourself, have faith and stay in your lane and run your race.

Once I was informed, I made sure to keep experienced mentors in my field to serve as mentors, counselors, and strategic advisors. I think my years of services in govemernment, the relations I was able to foster, and my educational background has postioned me to grow in this field. And keep learning.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

My cliente are the residents I serve in the City of North Miami. The best strategy I was able to use to serve my residents came from my experience in local and state govermennt, along with my educational background.

My greatest accomplishment that has benefited the North Miami residents, was serving the City for five years in the City Manager’s Office. In my five years of service, in the Public Information Office, I was able to identify and create additional communication channels for North Miami residents. I launched the City’s social media accounts and #Get2NoMi initiatives. I also launched the myNoMi app, which is the closest thing to a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to accurately track residents’ concerns and requests. I spent five years learning the ins and outs of every department and now I am get to serve North Miami’s District 2 and push our City forward from that expereince. Using the tools, resources and relationships I gained from serving in the cities of Tampa, Tallahassee and North Miami, I now get to use on the daily to make North Miami the best City to live, work and play.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northmiamifl.gov/964/Councilwoman-Kassandra-Timothe-MPA-Distr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwoman_kt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CouncilwomanKTimothe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassandra-timothe-9a278820
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FCouncilwoman_KT
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CouncilwomanKT
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kassandratimothe

Image Credits
City of North Miami Flickr Account https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofnorthmiami/albums/with/72177720311015119