Deacon Spotlight: Kavasia “Kasy” Heath
Kavasia “Kasy” Heath (2020, BA in Communications, Minors in Journalism & Creative Writing)
College Admissions Consultant at CollegeAdvisor and Filmmaker in Mebane, NC
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
I work in both higher education and the film world. As a college admissions consultant, I help high school students and their families navigate the college search and application process. I curate college lists that fit a student’s interests, assist with their application essays, and provide advice on appropriate classes and extracurriculars to take while in high school. On the film end, I work various indie projects as either an actress or assistant director.
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
In 2022, I took an entry-level position at Wake’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. I originally started working there to utilize the University’s creative resources that were available to staff and build a network within the creative community in the Triad, but I ended up falling in love with higher education too.
As a first-generation college graduate, I found fulfillment in helping high schoolers, especially low-income and first-generation students, navigate the complicated college admissions process. During this time I made several key connections that helped me pivot from Wake to college admissions consulting and furthered my passion of helping others navigate higher education. At the same time, I kept my other foot in the entertainment world and made connections there as well before signing with a Greensboro talent agency.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
The most challenging aspect of both of my careers is working with different personalities that don’t always mesh well with mine. I navigate it by meeting people where they are; I analyze their working style, find commonalities between us to build a rapport, and understand their strengths. I also keep the focus on the work at hand and remove any personal feelings about matters.
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
1) Understand finances and be disciplined with strategically saving and investing where you can. It doesn’t have to be a ton, but a steady amount can quickly grow.
2) Health is wealth, so be mindful of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
3) Don’t neglect your relationships, make time for your loved ones while you have them.
4) Find activities or hobbies that you enjoy and integrate them into your life as a stress reliever.
5) Burnout is real, it’s better to take care of yourself to prevent it rather than recover from its effects once it sets in.
6) Know when to walk away, life is too short to live in misery!
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
I approach all of my professional relationships with genuine care rather than as springboards for opportunities. I don’t treat relationships transactionally, people can sense that from afar. I go on lunch and dinner dates, send Christmas cards, shoot Happy Mother’s Day/Father’s Day/birthday texts, the whole nine yards. The opportunities will come organically, so I just focus on being a good human to other good humans.
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
My mentors have been an incredible part of my journey. I have gotten opportunities based on recommendations and been given advice that only those on the “inside” would know. It is a privilege to have others that you can directly reach out to with questions, so I don’t take it for granted.
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
Regardless of what industry you’re in, always work on your craft. Attend professional development opportunities any time that you can, network with others, and show up ready to learn something new. Be a lifelong learner in the industries you’re in, things change and you don’t want to get left behind!
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
I am currently pursuing a Master’s of Education in School Counseling at UNC Chapel Hill to take my higher education career further. I eventually would like to own my own college admissions consulting firm. I also plan to produce my own indie film projects during my down time.
Story published in July 2025. For current updates about Kavasia, visit her LinkedIn profile.