Experienced Nonprofit Fundraising and Marketing & Communications Professional
Hello
A little bit about me.
I’m Cassandra Cooke—a nonprofit leader and marketing strategist rooted in St. Louis, Missouri. For more than 20 years, I’ve walked alongside mission-driven organizations, helping them grow their impact through thoughtful development strategy, creative communications, and strong community engagement.
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My path into nonprofit work was never just about fundraising—it was about storytelling, connection, and creating tangible change. After earning my B.A. in Marketing and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management I knew I wanted to use those skills to serve causes that mattered deeply.
​Over the years, I’ve stepped into roles that have challenged me to lead with vision and heart. As Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Advancement Director, and Development Consultant I’ve had the privilege of building major donor relationships, leading capital campaigns, designing outreach materials, and managing complex grants.
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A big part of my work has centered on fundraising through major gifts, planned giving, and grant writing. For me, these aren’t just financial strategies—they're opportunities to tell stories that resonate, invite people into the mission, and inspire meaningful investment. Whether I'm writing a compelling case for support or guiding a donor through their philanthropic legacy, I focus on aligning passion with purpose through powerful narrative.
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But I’m not all strategy and spreadsheets. When I’m not deep in campaign planning or working on communications that move people to action, you’ll probably find me exploring historical archives, writing creatively, or researching family trees through genealogy. I have a love for travel, a passion for storytelling, and a deep belief that curiosity is one of our most powerful tools—in work and in life.
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Whether I’m designing a donor journey or crafting a narrative for an annual appeal, I bring energy, insight, and authenticity to the table. That’s my story—and I’d love to help you tell yours.