A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

Bibb County School District
Executive Director of CTAE and CEO of W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy
1780 Anthony Road, Macon
478-779-2528
Cassandra.washington@bcsdk12.net

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION, AND HOW HAS IT SHIFTED DUE TO COVID-19?

The mission of William S. Hutchings College and Career Academy is to graduate students equipped and prepared for an emerging 21st-century global workforce. We have been doing business as usual. Students who attend Hutchings CCA receive their college credit from Central Georgia Technical College, therefore, all lab classes had required attendance.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

Being able to work with industry and business to create the future workforce for the Macon-Bibb County community.

What are you most excited about right now in our community?

The economic growth in our community, as well as partnerships with business and industry.

How can women better support each other?

Work collectively and support each other publicly.

How can men better support women business leaders?

Helping to close the gender leadership gap.

Looking back, I wish I had known:

Not to be afraid to ask for help, and that doing so is not a sign of weakness.

Your advice for women wanting to start their own business in Macon?

Don’t let anything stop you from your dream.

How do you define success?

Thomas Edison said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”

You might be surprised to know: I am an introvert.

What has been the most challenging part of being a female business owner or a woman in business?

Balancing the responsibilities of work and home.

I admire women who: Are strong, vibrant, confident and articulate.

What was the best business advice you ever received?

Keep your word, be fair and be consistent.

I hope more women will:

Step out on faith and share their talent with the world.