We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandre Davis, Ed.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My life’s work is the support of children. For the past 20 years, everything I’ve done has been in service of young people. I trained as an Industrial Engineer at Florida A&M University, and after earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering, I landed a strong consulting job in technology. It was an exciting time. The industry was moving fast, and everyone was chasing the next big breakthrough. I was proud of the role and the income that came with it. But I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t fulfilled. I felt like I had no social impact. I kept asking myself: what am I actually meant to be doing, and who am I meant to be helping? The answer was simple — children.
Within two years of becoming an information technology analyst, I resigned, took roughly a 50% pay cut, and became a high school math teacher. That’s when I finally found my place. I discovered my purpose, and I was excited to help children learn and grow every single day. That passion led me to earn a doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a focus on K–12 education. My dissertation explored how differently we each learn; how every person has a dominant intelligence, and how teaching to that strength leads to greater academic success. That research became the foundation for the Light Academy, a school and holistic education program, built around the concept of multiple intelligences. This is what makes us different: we teach how students learn. I have seen the difference when an educator has this approach. The shift is life-changing – literally.
Throughout my career, I’ve taken on many roles in service of children — instructional coach, author, consultant, adjunct professor. But my most exciting venture yet is the one I’m living now: school owner. The Light Academy was born out of my commitment to keep serving children, by giving them knowledge and the tools to shape their own futures. I believe deeply in giving people everything they need to become whoever they choose to be — because I know that education, confidence, access, and opportunity aren’t guaranteed to everyone. My mission is to make sure every child entrusted to me has these things, and so much more, because they deserve nothing less.

Group of people gathered around a table with blue tablecloths, some seated and some standing, in a room with wood flooring.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want them to experience Miami the way I actually live it — not just the postcard version.
We’d kick things off at Brandon’s in Pembroke Pines ( a little outside Miami, but worth going), home to the only shrimp and grits I’ll happily eat (I’ll eat other versions, but theirs is in a league of its own). From there, we’d go to Aventura mall to catch a movie or see the latest trends at the high-end stores and boutiques. After working up a sweat, we would head to Theo’s Seafood Pasta in Liberty City for the best salmon bites I’ve ever had, no questions asked!
Next, we’d swing by the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, which always has a gorgeous exhibit showcasing incredible local and global artists. It’s one of those spots that reminds you how much creative talent lives right here in our community. Then, about 15 minutes away, we would check out Miami’s Only Free Book Store – Bookleggers. The first time I went, I was sad that I didn’t know of it before. It’s a great spot to read and donate amazing books.
For dinner, we’d head to Plantisserie for vegan dishes that you likely haven’t had and flavors you won’t find just anywhere. Right next door is Cindy Lou’s, where the cookies and baked goods add years of joy to your life (also as many calories), but every bite is worth it.
When it’s time to just relax and soak it all in, we’d hit the beaches and outdoor plazas — bouncing from Miami Beach to Little Haiti to Liberty City to Doral. Honestly, what makes Miami special isn’t any single spot — it’s the people. Wherever the people are, that’s where the energy is. These days, I’m drawn to day festivals, family-friendly events, and daytime parties — that’s where you really feel the heartbeat of this city.

Group of 16 educators, headshots with names, celebrating South Florida's top educators of 2025, diverse group, professional attire, smiling.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So much of my success belongs to the people who walked alongside me on this journey. From the Costco workers who told me to keep pushing forward, to my daughter drawing pictures of the building we’d one day have, there are so many people I’m thankful for. To make sure no one is left out, I want to thank my entire community.
My immediate family has been my foundation. They supported me in every way, from encouraging words to volunteering for endless hours, so I could meet my goals. There were also the family and friends who believed in me and invested their ideas, prayers, and energy into my dream. And then there were the strangers I came across who heard my story and mission and responded with an “I know that’s right!” or “YES! We need that!” Their encouragement kept me moving forward.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone — near and far — who played a part in shaping this success.

Group of ten people, including children and adults, posing indoors with a whiteboard, smiling, in a classroom or office setting.

Website: https://www.LightAcademyFL.com

Instagram: LightAcademyFL

Linkedin: The Light Academy FL

Twitter: Not yet

Soundcloud: Not yet

Facebook: The Light Academy FL

Yelp: Not yet

Youtube: Not yet

Smiling woman with long, curly hair wearing a light pink blazer and white blouse, standing with hands in pockets.

Portrait of a woman with long, styled dreadlocks, wearing a light-colored blazer, looking directly at the camera.

Portrait of a smiling woman with long, styled dreadlocks, wearing a light pink blazer and white top, against a plain background.

Smiling woman with dreadlocks in a black blazer and white blouse sitting at a desk in an office.

Image Credits
Ms. Jhodi Pommells
Mr. Marcellus Davis
Dr. Manoushka Saintil

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