Excellence in Professional
Development and Training
Founder’s Message
Empowering Leaders. Transforming Organizations. Building Stronger Communities.
At Next Step Associates (NSA), we don’t just train leaders — we cultivate change – makers. Since 2004, our mission has been to equip individuals and organizations with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to drive measurable impact. W e blend cuttin g – edge training with culturally responsive leadership training — because real progress starts with inclusive, intentional growth. Effective leaders ensure that the right people, throughout the organization, are in the right place at the right time. Over the past two decades we have documented success in building the capacity and will of individuals and organization to have the right leadership in the right place at the right time.
WHY WORK WITH US
Our Story:
Where Laser-Sharp Vision Meets Action
Founded by Dr. Cassandra W. Jones—a seasoned executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in education and workforce development—NSA was built on a simple truth: Great leadership isn’t just taught; it’s experienced. From executive coaching to city-wide civic engagement, our work spans industries—because leadership excellence knows no boundaries.
Top 50 Minority-Owned Business
Recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a Top 50 Minority – Owned Business
Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year
2019 SBA Eastern Pennsylvania Minority – Owned Small Business of the Year
Women of
Distinction Award
Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Distinction
Award – 2014
Award
WHY WORK WITH US
Three Pillars of Excellence
Proven Expertise and Impact
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our cross-disciplinary approach combines adult learning principles, actionable research, and real-world case studies to deliver training that sticks.
✅ 20+ years of professional development & technical assistance
✅ Laser-focused execution tailored to your organizational goals
✅ High-profile clients like the School District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor, and Philabundance
Leadership That Inspires
Dr. Jones and our team of credentialed experts bring decades of executive leadership.
🔹 Baltimore City Public Schools (Chief Academic Officer)
🔹 School District of Philadelphia (Interim Chief Academic Officer)
🔹 Global Leadership Academy & National Workforce Development Initiatives
A Legacy of Proven Results
From workforce development programs to diversity training for government agencies, our clients don’t just learn—they transform.
📈 Increased staff performance
📈 Stronger organizational cultures
📈 Sustainable leadership pipelines
Empowering Organizations with Training That Drives Real-World Results
At Next Step Associates (NSA), we don’t just train leaders—we cultivate change-makers. Since 2004, our mission has been to equip individuals and organizations with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to drive measurable impact. As a certified Minority/Woman-Owned Business (MWBE) and Local Business Entity (LBE), we blend cutting-edge professional development with culturally responsive leadership training—because real progress starts with inclusive, intentional growth.
A Trusted Local Partner Committed to Quality, Equity, and Impact
For 19 years, NSA has worked alongside its clients to develop, design, and provide comprehensive and relevant training and curriculum. NSA delivers services that increase skills and overall staff performance in the areas of academic and workforce skills, accoun table leadership, workforce development, assessment, diversity, inclusion and privilege, and executive – level coaching.
Expert-Designed Curriculum Backed by Research and Precision Execution
Recognized in 2014 by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the region’s Top 50 Minority – Owned Businesses, NSA helps organizations maximize return on their investments and restores focus on mission critical initiatives. In April 2019, the U. S. Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office recognized Next Step Associates as the 2019 Eastern Pennsylvania Minority – Owned Small Business of the Year.
Leadership You Can Trust, Built on Over Forty Years of Transformational Experience
Dr. Cassandra W. Jones, NSA’s founder, and chief executive, is an experienced and highly qualified professional with over four decades of experience in leading organizations to achieve their missions, improve performance , and manage financial and human resources effectively. She served as the Chief Academic Officer for the Baltimore City Public School System and as the Interim Chief Academic Officer for the School District of Philadelphia.
Comprehensive Solutions That Serve Schools, Communities, and Corporations
NSA’s team is proud of its si gnificant accomplishments, which include designing and writing K – 12 curriculum, providing basic and advanced skills training for adults, evaluating workforce curriculum for community colleges, providing accountable leadership training for senior executives , facilitating diversity training for local and state agencies, performing comprehensive management and instructional audits for schools and businesses, and organizing and facilitating city – wide, community town hall meetings.
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