When you’ve been surrounded by charity and philanthropy by strong female role models from birth, it’s easy to understand and honor the power of giving. When you receive a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, it’s difficult to ask for support from family, friends and community. In a split second the giver can easily become the receiver. And such is the story for Dr. Cassandra D. Caldwell.

Dr. Caldwell is the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Akerman LLP. As a dynamic and award-winning internationally renowned senior executive, faculty member, consultant, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, she has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, as well as higher education. Added to that resume, she is a proud alumna of UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, and The Ohio State University where she earned her B.A, M.P.A, and Ph.D., respectively.

When you meet Cassandra, you find a woman filled with vibrancy, joy, vision and a ton of hope. As fate would have it, Dr. Caldwell was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2023, and thankfully achieved her one-year remission status in May ’24. Upon hearing the news of her cancer diagnosis, in true ‘Cassandra style’ she made the conscious decision to maintain a positive and healthy attitude throughout her course of treatment and beyond. She is a proud and dedicated patient at Broward Health, receiving treatment in the adult infusion center and the Lillian S. Wells Women’s Center where she was a true favorite of the entire medical staff. Cassandra recounts certain instances during her chemotherapy when she would bring lunch to the tireless staff at the infusion center because they became friends to her. Dr. Caldwell continues to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves, and breast cancer advocacy is high at the top of her list. Her single most important piece of advice regarding breast cancer is to always request an ultrasound in addition to a mammogram. Her ultrasound detected breast cancer that the mammogram missed. Cassandra’s advice has helped with early diagnosis for two of her close friends already and countless other women have learned about ultrasounds as well. Cassandra’s mantra sums up her incredible outlook and zest for life she considers herself a ‘Survivor, Thriver, and Inspirer’.

When asked if she ever wondered ‘Why me?’ she graciously responded ‘God gives the hardest battles to His strongest warriors’.

With great pride Glam-A-THON™ is truly honored to welcome Dr. Cassandra D. Caldwell to its 2024 roster of GLAMMY AWARD honorees.