Reverend Dr. Cassandra Gould
Executive Director | cassandra@missourifaithvoices.org
The Reverend Dr. Cassandra Gould is a pastor and an activist whose ministry and community work is rooted in the biblical mandate for justice. She is the Executive Director of Missouri Faith Voices.
A native of Demopolis, Alabama, she is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her undergraduate education includes degrees in psychology and journalism.
Reverend Dr. Gould holds an M. Div from Eden Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.
She lives out her D.Min project “Beyond The Walls: The Power of Prophetic Preaching.” Black liberation theology centered in justice, community engagement and empowerment was the hallmark Dr. Gould’s ministry during the 10 years she served as a Senior Pastor in two congregations. Her role as a public theologian and pastor in the public square has helped to shape a culture of advocacy for faith communities in Missouri. Dr. Gould is a sought after preacher, teacher and prophetic voice. She is often quoted in the media as one who speaks truth to power regarding various injustices.
Dr. Gould has been on the front lines fighting for justice from Ferguson to DC. There are myriad of social justice issues that call her to put her faith on the line. Her advocacy for families caught in the debt trap caused by financial predation has garnered national attention. She was a panelist in the public hearing held by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2016 when the rules to regulate payday lending and small dollar loans were released. She continues to fight against predatory financial practices including payday lending and debt collection. She has testified in Congress regarding these issues. She is also a voter rights’ advocate, a mantle she inherited from her late mother, Carrie Jefferson. Dr. Gould is featured in the movie Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook.
Her leadership initially as a board member and now as Executive Director has raised our visibility and grown our organization. Missouri Faith Voices is the only statewide faith based grassroots organization dedicated to racial equity in the State.
Dr. Gould also serves as the faith co-chair for the state wide Jobs With Justice Board and the Religious Affairs and Political Action Director of the Missouri State NAACP. She has received many awards. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.