Cassandra Lainez (she/they) is a first-generation Honduran American and bilingual Spanish speaker who brings lived experience, cultural competency, and deep community trust to her work. They are the Housing Justice Organizing Specialist at the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ), where they strengthen local leadership and advance affordable, equitable housing advocacy rooted in community voice.

Previously, Cassandra worked as a paralegal at Partners for Women and Justice, supporting survivors of domestic violence in securing Final Restraining Orders through trauma-informed legal aid. They also contributed to the organization’s DEIA initiatives by helping implement monthly learning spaces and a Summer Reading Academy that amplified underrepresented voices and fostered inclusive workplace culture.

Cassandra’s commitment to justice extends to environmental and climate issues. She was featured in “We Found the Hidden Cost of Data Centers. It’s in Your Electric Bill” by More Perfect Union, where she discussed the impact of rising energy costs on working-class households. They also work with Neighborhood Composting, a woman-owned small business providing community composting services and sustainability education.

In addition, Cassandra contributes to Chatter, a queer-led collective creating inclusive outdoor snow experiences for LGBTQIA+ communities. She is a graduate of the inaugural cohort of Senator Andy Kim’s NextGen Leadership Program and holds a BA in Sociology, with a concentration in Criminology and a minor in Gender Studies, from Ramapo College of New Jersey. They are passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and bridging the gap between community needs and systemic reform.