Name: Cassandra Kusa
Instagram handle: @kusacmphotography
Profession/Title: Project Manager
City you live in: Phoenix, AZ
How do you know of PFF: I became familiar with PFF when I participated in the Runway of hope fashion show in 2018.
What makes PFF special: Everyone that I've met who is a part of this program and organization shows passion and love, I can see that they believe in what they are shooting to accomplish. It's incredible to see how it comes to life when you hear the recipients of this organization's stories and how much gratitude they have to be able to be a part of the PFF family. The work truly translates when you see the glimmer in the eyes of the families.
If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: My favorite PFF event that I have been to was their holiday party in 2018. I got to see families and hear stories of families that have been helped by the organization and listen to real life struggles that have been experienced by those who received help from PFF. The stories touched my heart and to see the gratitude and passion in their eyes really stuck with me.
What is your favorite thing about AZ? My favorite thing about AZ is that the people I care most about live here. I get to see those who love and support me every week which I'm very grateful and lucky to be able to do.
What is something on your bucket list? I would love to travel outside of the states and experience the culture in other countries.
What was your first job? My first job was being an assistant to an accountant for Nation Wide Vision.
Sunrise or sunset? Definitely a sunset person - the deep shades of red always get me.
Coffee or tea? Tea all the way.
What/who inspires you? Lately what has been my biggest inspiration has been reading about people’s stories, who have struggled to find themselves and what to do with their future. Their stories about how their friends, family- ultimately their support system around them starts to step up and shine in their eyes. Showing and making them realize that they can do something that matters, and that love is on their side. I’ve had my struggles with self-doubt and thinking that accomplishing something that matters and won’t make a difference is out of my reach. Seeing other people’s stories has helped open my eyes that this is something other people struggle with and that I am more then capable of doing what I set my heart to. One thing that inspires and impresses me about the PFF organization is giving people a chance and showing them that there are people who care and are on your side, that you can overcome and get help what is happening- you are never alone.
What is a motto you live by? Try everything once. A good friend of mine told me that a few years ago, something I never thought would make a difference in my life, but I put in the effort to live by that. Many things I try, I don’t care much for, but there are a few things that I would never have done that I show a lot of passion for and I absolutely love it. You never know until you try and guess what, if you don’t like it, you don’t lose anything.
What does a normal day look like for you? I wake every morning to my cat, Mister Pooper staring at me, giving soft meows until I get out of bed, I usually wake up and either go to work, my family owns a construction company, or I go down to Scottsdale and inline skate. After that I like to eat, and as of late I start reading books that suck me in until I finish them- regardless if that takes me into the early morning
What is one thing you can not live without? One thing that I cannot live without is my one year old twin nephews. Everyday I wake up and see their smiling face on the background of my phone, receive photos and videos of their daily activities from my family, and get to spend every Sunday with them. They’ve showed me what true love and happiness is, not only through my eyes but how much they mean to my parents and my brother. It has been a blessing having them come into my life and I can’t imagine what things would be like without them.
One thing you think every one needs to try? I am a big fan of music, I think everyone should try and go to one big music festival or rave to see their favorite artist, nothing is better than seeing the people around you showing the same passion you have for the music you love