Today we’d like to introduce you to Astra Garner.
Hi Astra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If I’m honest, much of my journey wasn’t something I mapped out for myself. In many cases, I found myself stepping into spaces I hadn’t planned for—or even initially wanted. But over time, I’ve come to believe I’ve been divinely led into the work I’m meant to do. Each step has stretched me, grounded me, and ultimately aligned me more closely with my purpose.
I started my career as mental health therapist, working with children and families. That work gave me a firsthand understanding of trauma, resilience, and the critical role that consistent, caring adults play in a child’s life.
As my career evolved, I found myself drawn not only to the direct service work, but to the systems around it—how decisions were made, how teams are led, and how we create environments where both staff and the communities we serve can thrive. I moved into leadership roles where I focused on culture, strategy, and building strong, mission-driven teams. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to lead across several nonprofit organizations, partnering with boards, guiding strategic planning, and helping organizations challenge their thinking and grow their impact.
Most recently, I stepped into the role of President and CEO of CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties. In many ways, this role brings my journey full circle. Earlier in my career, I worked with children who had CASA volunteers advocating for them, so I’ve seen the impact of this work up close. Now, I have the privilege of leading an organization that ensures children in the foster care system have a consistent voice and advocate during some of the most uncertain times in their lives.
I’m also a first-generation college graduate, which has shaped how I show up as a leader. Representation and access matter deeply to me, and I carry that perspective into every space I’m in. Whether I’m leading an organization or serving on a board, my focus is on building something sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, by any means, but I don’t think it was meant to be. There have been seasons where I stepped into roles that, made sense in theory but ultimately didn’t align with who I was or where I was going. At one point, I made the decision to walk away from a well-paying position because I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. That season required a lot of trust, reflection, and figuring things out in real time.
There were also roles that served a purpose financially, but not in terms of fulfillment. Learning to find peace in my own values and discernment, while silencing contrary opinions was challenging. There were moments where I truly felt like I was in the wilderness—where the path wasn’t clear, and it felt like I was there longer than I expected or wanted to be.
I’ve also had to navigate the realities that come with leadership as a young Black woman. In some spaces, that’s embraced and celebrated. In others, it’s questioned or resisted. Not everyone is immediately comfortable being led by someone who challenges their expectations of what leadership looks like. Learning to lead while standing firmly in my values—integrity, authenticity, and loyalty, with consistency as a close fourth—has been an important part of my personal and professional journey.
Looking back, none of it was wasted. Every challenge helped refine my voice, strengthen my leadership, and reinforce the importance of staying aligned with who I am and what I’m called to do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While my role is rooted in nonprofit leadership, what really defines my work is how I approach it. I’m someone who is constantly thinking beyond what’s in front of me—asking how we can do things better, more thoughtfully, and with greater impact.
Even in a smaller organization, I don’t believe we have to think small. I’m always researching, learning from leaders across sectors, and bringing forward ideas around staff recruitment and retention, employee engagement, recognition, and coaching. I’m a big believer that our internal culture directly impacts our external impact, so I spend a lot of time focused on how we build strong, supported, and accountable teams.
I’m also deeply committed to mentorship—both having mentors and being one. I’ve benefited from people who have poured into me, and I believe strongly in doing the same for others. That investment in people is something I carry into every role I’m in.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to step into spaces, assess what’s needed, and begin building—whether that’s strengthening culture, creating clearer structure, or helping people grow into their potential. I don’t feel confined by “how it’s always been done.” I’m willing to challenge norms, ask different questions, and bring in ideas that help organizations move forward in a meaningful way.
At the end of the day, what sets me apart is that I lead with both curiosity and intention—I’m always learning, always refining, and always focused on how to make the work better for the people doing it and the communities we serve.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who have poured into me along the way.
Some of those relationships happened organically. I’ve had a mentor for nearly a decade now—we connected purely by chance. I often joke that I was persistent, and he’s shared that he saw something in me early on—promise and potential. With his career path (corporate) being very different from mine, that relationship has been instrumental in how I’ve grown as a leader, particularly in how I think, make decisions, and show up in complex spaces.
Other mentors came into my life more intentionally. As a young professional mother, I was connected to a more seasoned leader who had already navigated balancing career and family. Her guidance helped me see what was possible and gave me practical insight into managing both in a way that aligned with my priorities.
I’m also grateful for the community that showed up for me during more challenging seasons. During the time when I felt like I was in the wilderness, it was the women around me—sending a quick text, checking in, offering encouragement—who reminded me that I wasn’t alone. That kind of support is something I don’t take for granted. I was still finding my way, but not completely alone.
Now, as a President and CEO, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a network of peers—particularly other women CEOs—who I can reach out to for perspective, advice, and support. Leadership can be isolating at times, and having people who understand the weight of the role makes a meaningful difference.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astragarner
