Cassandra Sanchez
Area Supervisor, Team BAM!
Some careers are planned. Cassandra Sanchez's was not — and that's exactly what makes her story so powerful.
What started as a 17-year-old simply looking for a paycheck has grown into a career spanning nearly every rung of the Domino's ladder; CSR, Assistant Manager, General Manager, and now Supervisor for the largest Domino's franchisee in the country. Domino's has been her only employer. Along the way, she's become a mentor, a mom of four, and a living example of what it means to say "yes" to opportunities before you feel ready for them.
For this issue, we sat down with Cassandra to talk about where it all began, the leader she's become, and what it's really been like building a career as a woman in this industry.
Where It All Began
Cassandra was just 17 when she walked into her first Domino's looking for a job; not a career. "I wasn't searching for a career or thinking about my future," she says. "I just wanted to earn a paycheck. At the time, I had no idea that simple decisions would end up changing the entire course of my life."
Her first role was CSR, and she remembers it fondly; chaotic, fast, and exhilarating. "What I remember most is how much fun it was and the adrenaline you get during rush! There was so much to learn, and everything moved so fast. I made mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and relied heavily on the people around me." Looking back, she credits those early days behind the front counter with teaching her the humility and teamwork she still leans on as a leader today.
Even as she climbed into management, a career at Domino's wasn't part of the plan. "When I was an AM, I used to tell my GM all the time, 'I never want to be a GM.' Looking back now, that's pretty funny," she laughs. But opportunity after opportunity kept finding her — often because someone else saw potential in her before she saw it in herself.
"I started at Domino's thinking it was just a job, not a career. But every time I said I didn't want the next role, someone saw something in me that I didn't see in myself yet. Domino's didn't just give me a job; it helped me discover what I was capable of."
That shift; from job to calling — happened the moment people started investing in her growth. "I realized that success here wasn't based on where you started, but on your willingness to learn, work hard, and help others succeed. That's when I stopped looking at Domino's as a job and started seeing it as a career."
She's quick to credit the mentors who believed in her first. "I used to want to blend in with the crowds — now I find myself comfortable being uncomfortable. If you are given an opportunity, it is because you earned it."
Part 2: Building a Career and Becoming a Leader
Cassandra describes her climb from CSR to Supervisor as "a series of opportunities I never planned for but am so grateful I said yes to." Becoming a General Manager was a defining turning point. "It wasn't just about running a store anymore. It was about creating an environment where people felt supported, challenged, and part of something bigger."
That's also when her definition of leadership changed for good.
"Leadership isn't really about operations, numbers, or telling people what to do. It's about people. Once I understood that, everything changed for me."
Today, as Supervisor overseeing stores for the largest Domino's franchisee in the country, Cassandra doesn't take the role lightly. She speaks with clear admiration about franchisee Brian Bailey: "Watching him set ambitious goals and consistently achieve them is incredibly inspiring. His determination, vision, and commitment to growth motivate me to challenge myself and continually raise the bar."
She also feels the weight ; and the privilege of her reach. "As a supervisor, I have the ability to impact not just one store, but multiple teams and leaders. It motivates me every day to lead with purpose, support my teams, and help others achieve goals they may not have thought possible for themselves — just as others once did for me."
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Cassandra didn't point to an award or a title:
"It's looking back and seeing how far I've come from where I started. Whether it's leading a busy area, serving on leadership boards, or presenting on stage, each opportunity represents growth, hard work, and the trust others have placed in me. More than anything, I'm proud that I've been able to use those opportunities to positively impact and develop others along the way."
Her toughest moment? Learning to trust her own judgment. "Early in my career, I sometimes questioned whether I was making the right decisions. Over time, I learned that growth comes from experience, accountability, and being willing to learn from mistakes."
That lesson reshaped her leadership style entirely — from results-driven to people-first. "I still have high expectations, but I believe in supporting people and helping them understand their potential." And if she could go back and teach her younger self one thing?
"You don't have to have all the answers. I used to think leaders had to be the strongest person in the room. I've learned that great leaders ask questions, seek feedback, and aren't afraid to admit when they need help. Vulnerability doesn't weaken leadership — it strengthens it."
Part 3: Being a Woman in Leadership
Like many women in this industry, Cassandra's path wasn't without extra hurdles. "There were times when I felt I had to work harder to prove myself. I often felt pressure to demonstrate that I belonged at the table," she shares. "Those experiences taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of supporting other women as they grow into leadership roles."
She's candid about moments of self-doubt, too, especially walking into rooms where she felt outmatched. "What helped me push through was remembering that growth happens outside of our comfort zones. I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I also had mentors and leaders who reminded me of my strengths when I couldn't always see them myself."
Asked what women bring to leadership that often goes unrecognized, her answer was simple and powerful:
"I think women bring a lot of heart to leadership. We care about results, but we also care about the people behind those results. The ability to build trust, connect with people, and help them grow is incredibly powerful — and sometimes those strengths don't get enough credit."
For the next generation of women climbing the ranks at Domino's, Cassandra's advice is direct:
"Believe in yourself before you think you're ready. Don't wait until you feel perfectly qualified to pursue an opportunity. Say yes to challenges. Ask questions. Find mentors. Learn from every position you're in. Most importantly, don't let fear convince you that you're not capable of more."
She's also optimistic about how far the organization has come, and credits this very community for accelerating that change. "I've seen a lot more women stepping up and being recognized for their leadership. What's been exciting is watching women not only earn those opportunities but also help open doors for the next generation. I feel like the DWLA plays a big role in that; creating connections, mentorship, and opportunities that help women continue growing within our organization."
Part 4: The Person Behind the Position
Outside the stores, the spreadsheets, and the leadership boards, Cassandra is, in her own words, most often found "wearing my mom hat." She's raising four daughters — a fact she lights up talking about.
"Raising four daughters keeps life interesting, and I wouldn't have it any other way. They are my biggest motivation and my greatest joy. I love spending time with family, celebrating milestones big and small, and creating memories together."
Like so many women who lead while also raising a family, Cassandra has made real sacrifices along the way. "I've been in leadership most of my career, which means giving extra time, energy, and focus when others need you most. There have been late nights, missed birthdays, missed trick-or-treating, missed..."
Closing Thoughts
From a 17-year-old CSR who "just wanted a paycheck" to a Supervisor shaping the next generation of leaders at the largest Domino's franchise in the country, Cassandra Sanchez's story is proof of what happens when you say yes, even when you don't feel ready.
Her journey is a reminder to every woman in our association: you don't need to have it all figured out to start climbing. You just need someone to believe in you — and the courage to believe in yourself.
Thank you, Cassandra, for sharing your story and for continuing to open doors for the women coming up behind you.
