Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that returns for it's fifth installment for the 2020-21 academic year. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.

Cassandra Mensah: Education Fellow, National Women's Law Center

Cassandra Mensah was hoping to leave her stamp, for years to come, as a talented and brilliant soccer player at Wilfrid Laurier University.

It wasn't to be. At least, not the way she had it planned. What did end up happening for Mensah, was something far greater.

Like most students, Mensah came to Laurier unclear about the next four years of her life. A priority, was to learn, benefit from scholars and work diligently towards a degree that would help pave a solid pathway to a career.

There were also high expectations to build on her younger years of soccer, be it from training and playing at the high school and community levels. One certainty was well documented, Mensah was a great athlete – and she knew it. The stage was set for Mensah to culminate her competitive soccer days at Laurier, helping the Golden Hawks become one of the top university women's soccer teams in Canada.

Possessing academic honors from elementary school and then Holy Name of Mary Secondary, where she was also a multi-sport athlete, Mensah had the world in her hands. Born in Surrey, B.C., then moving with her family to Brampton when she was seven years of age, at one time Mensah thought about a college experience in the United States.

Staying close to home was important as well, which had her contemplating the University of Toronto or York. But when she visited Laurier's campus, something she referred to as “small and homey”, she struck gold. Mensah was convinced Laurier was No. 1 and would be her home away from home. 

“I was really impressed with how I was treated at Laurier,” she said. “I felt, when they showed me around the campus, that it was done in a meaningful way – and not just a voluntary job. I felt really welcomed.”

Known for her strong skills and aggressive defensive play, Mensah was a member of the Laurier women's soccer squad that won an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championship in 2013. Even though she was sparkling and dazzling on the sports field, it didn't compare to her scintillating academic success in the classroom. 

There was fame, wealth and respect. Observers liked what they saw and in three consecutive years, Mensah – the only black athlete on the team in her first two years – earned the title of academic all-Canadian in Canadian university sport.

Owner of a radiant smile, and with a distinctive character and intuition, Mensah did have to deal with a series of unfortunate injuries in sport. 

There was the broken ankle in club soccer. Then, at Laurier, torn knee ligaments in her rookie year. Some would say, the big blow was even more serious: three concussions. Devastated by the setbacks, with the head injuries ultimately leading to ending her competitive days, Mensah had a golden opportunity of having a huge impact in another way.

Little did she know at the time, it would be one that has had a strong and positive influence on society.

With fond soccer memories of playing for Brams United in Brampton, Kitchener Waterloo United and even winning a National championship as a member of Team Ontario, Mensah's conscious knowledge turned to another area of peak interest at Laurier.

“It was very emotional for me to leave soccer behind,” she said. “I had put lots of pressure on myself, played at the high level and when a concussion specialist offered advice, I knew it was tough to take, but the right thing to do.”

After speaking with, and gaining advice from several people that included Peter Baxter, Director of Athletics and Recreation, Mensah put away her soccer uniform and directed her attention to Laurier's Diversity and Equity Office. It was an opportunity for her to develop a different set of skills, those that could address social issues on campus.

“What was refreshing at Laurier was that the door didn't shut,” she remembered. “I would go watch the games and there were flashbacks, but I graduated (from Laurier) knowing I had gained so much more than just soccer achievements.”

Mensah, who would go on to get her degree in Women's Studies and Philosophy, had this underlying passion for more than soccer. She would assist in discussions and taking action against gender-based violence and sexual assault. She also had a say in cultural issues and ran workshops dealing with taking action against racism and sexism.

“My professors in women's studies encouraged me to get involved and Peter (Baxter) also said I could help change things on campus and beyond,” said Mensah. “Laurier was transformative for me. I was collaborative and an activist in a positive way.”

The daughter of Ghanian and Jamaican parents, as a youngster Mensah had always been encouraged, and supported, to focus on her grades and also get involved in house league soccer. She also knew that Laurier had become more than just a post-secondary institution for sports and studies.

“Involved in diversity and equity issues, along with my philosophy and women's studies, got me interested in law,” said Mensah. “As a 20-year old, I had gained lots of knowledge since those early days and Laurier showed me that I had more of an impact in changing the culture on campus. Making things better. I also found that I was good at arguments.”

Again, York University lost out as the City University of New York School of Law had offered a larger academic scholarship. A few years of tense and informative studies at the Queen's, N.Y. campus and Mensah would graduate with honors grades, receive a Doctor of Law status and pursue a career as an attorney.

For Mensah, her mission had become a decision of comfort.

These days, Mensah is working at the Washington, D.C.-based National Women's Law Center, a non-profit organization that advances and protects women's legal rights. 

“I think of Laurier a lot and, other than the injuries, enjoyed every minute of my time there,” said Mensah. “I identified issues there – and staff supported them. I am grateful and proud at what I was able to achieve while at Laurier.”

-END-

David Grossman is a multi award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government Relations. In 2018, he was the recipient of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Media Member of Distinction. 

2016-17 Features
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Sophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
Mike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment Banking
Nicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
Mike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Foundation
Rebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship
Hugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional Products
Cheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team Member
John Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold Medalist
Bill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice Dogs

2017-18 Features
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Wayne Kemick - BMO Wealth Advisor
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Andrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York Jets
Marcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School Board
Joe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller Canfield
Emily Rudow - Founder, Oneiric Hockey
Todd Cooney - Vice President and Broker, CBRE Limited
Jennifer Elliott - Sports Information Officer, uOttawa Gee-Gees
Rohan  Thompson - Social Worker and Professor, Conestoga College
Dr. Fiona Aiston - Family Doctor
Jeremy Hedges - Founder and President, Inksmith
Sadie Anderson - Firefighter
Andrea Elliott - Sports Information Specialist, Ryerson Rams
Alyssa Lagonia - Professional Soccer Player

2018-19 Features
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J.R. Edwards - General Manager/Country Director, Carlsberg USA
Ginger Whitney - Vice President, Whitney and Company Realty Limited
Sandy Nixon - Loopstra Nixon law firm
Christina Polano - Lawyer
Donnie Ruiz - CFL alum, artist, personal trainer, and award-winning body builder
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Melanie Witzell - Founder and Agency Director, Mad Hatter Technology
Eric Calder - Owner and President, Skills Plus Hockey
Ryan MacDonald - Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball Canada National Beach Team

2019-20 Features
Chrissy McEwan - Account Executive, Detroit Pistons
Ian Noble - Lawyer
Tamika Marks-Grant - Marketing & Branding, Canadian Olympic Committee
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Scott Driscoll - NHL Official
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2020-21 Features
Pat Langdon - Executive Managing Director, Newmark Canada