By day, I’m the Executive Director of Friends of the Children Phoenix, where we do mentorship very differently. We enroll youth ages 4–6 who are facing some of life’s greatest challenges and pair each of them with a paid, professional mentor—a “Friend”—for 12+ years, no matter what. Our Friends spend at least four hours each week with every child, and no two weeks look the same: school visits, time at our Clubhouse, family support, outings, goal-setting and plenty of fun, all driven by each youth’s individual roadmap.
The long game is what makes our model so powerful: 90% of youth graduate from high school or earn a GED, 96% avoid involvement with the criminal justice system, and 95% avoid early parenting.
And on weekends during event season, I trade nonprofit CEO life for a microphone as a benefit auctioneer! I help Arizona nonprofits inspire generosity and raise critical dollars to fuel their missions. It’s a pretty perfect collision of my nearly 30 years in the nonprofit sector, fundraising strategy, and decades of performing—including my time as an Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader. Turns out, philanthropy + strategy + a microphone is very much my sweet spot.
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
Everything will always work out.
My dad said this to me constantly growing up, especially when I was worried or something felt impossible. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized he was right—although “working out” doesn’t always mean getting exactly what we thought we wanted. Sometimes the detour ends up being the path you were supposed to take all along.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path for you?
I always knew I wanted to lead, be externally facing, make decisions, create things and have the freedom to do things differently. I just didn’t realize those were giant flashing signs pointing toward entrepreneurship.
About four years ago, I had this nagging feeling that I wanted more, but I couldn’t quite define what “more” was. Then one morning, of all places, I was lying on my mat during hot yoga when a song came on and I had this incredibly clear thought: I want to become a benefit auctioneer while remaining committed to nonprofit executive leadership.
Random? Maybe. But once I connected the dots, it made perfect sense. I had decades of dance and performance experience, nearly 30 years in the nonprofit sector, and a career built around philanthropy and fundraising. Why wouldn’t I put those things together?
So I went to Missouri Auction School, built a website and jumped in headfirst. About a year later, I was still asking the universe for “more”—and Friends of the Children found me.
Friends of the Children is a national organization operating across the country, but our Phoenix chapter was still young and needed a non-traditional nonprofit leader with an entrepreneurial mindset. I found my dream role: the opportunity to build, innovate and reinvent while watching the youth we serve grow up right in front of us.
Turns out, “more” wasn’t one thing. It was creating a life where I didn’t have to choose between being a leader, fundraiser, entrepreneur and performer.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
I feel most supported by people who genuinely care, really listen and aren’t afraid to offer me a perspective I may not have considered. I especially appreciate the people who check in when I’m not asking for help—the ones who say, “What feels hardest right now?” or “What’s going really well?” Those unexpected check-ins mean a lot to me.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
I’m an Enneagram 8, so give me a challenge and suddenly I have more energy. I love being the protector, problem-solver and person others can count on when things get hard.
I also have the incredible privilege of seeing my “why” every single day. At Friends of the Children, our youth are right in front of us. I hear the raw stories from our mentors and see photos and little moments of impact shared in our team chat throughout the day. When your mission is that tangible, quitting simply doesn’t feel like an option.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday.
First, a cute matching workout outfit laid out the night before—because somehow that makes everything better. Then I’m outside with a green juice, cold brew and mineral water because I will forever be the person with three beverages in front of her at once. Add a Reformed Pilates class before the busyness of the day kicks in, and that’s pretty close to perfect.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
If you feel nervous, unsure of yourself or occasionally wonder, “Who decided I’m qualified to do this?”—welcome to entrepreneurship.
I don’t think imposter syndrome ever completely disappears, and maybe that’s not a bad thing. I believe leaders should stay curious, vulnerable and willing to admit they’re still learning. There often isn’t one perfectly “right” path; there’s the path you choose, commit to and learn from—whether the outcome is exactly what you hoped for or not.
And that person you admire who looks like they have absolutely everything figured out? I promise you, they’re figuring things out as they go, too.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
The fact that the possibilities—and the impact—feel limitless. Having 100 ideas isn’t a problem; it’s practically part of the job description! I love environments where dreaming big, challenging the way things have always been done, and asking “What if we tried this?” are encouraged. Boring has never really been my thing.
Learn more about Cassie Patris-Browne by visiting friendsphoenix.org AND cassiepb.com or following along on Instagram @friendsphoenix
About the Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together. Learn more at foundress.co.
