2023 Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Impact Report - Report - Page 31
SPOTLIGHT
Cassandra Bernard
Cassandra Bernard was a star participant of the LevelUp program.
She graduated early – earning $8,250 – and immediately transitioned
off housing subsidy. In 2019, she started a career at BNSF Railway
Company, where she remains today.
At the Summer 2023 LevelUp graduation ceremony, she delivered a
stirring keynote speech.
“You have to want better for yourself and your family,” Bernard said.
“You have to surround yourself with people that force you to level up.
I didn’t realize that the LevelUp program was preparing me for the
next chapter in my life. Who would’ve known that a few small goals
would have made my life change for the better?”
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