I am passionate about working with children and families. I am an immigrant as well, and I recently became a citizen. I have made most of my dreams come true, and it is my desire and duty to help others accomplish their goals in life.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rita Casman
Rita Casman is an Actor, Lifecoach and Social Worker. She holds a master’s degree in international relations, Diplomacy and Public Image and a master’s in fine arts in Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy in California. She is about to graduate from GCU and obtain a master’s degree in social work. Her mission is to be heard for others and tell their stories.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
I came to the US to become an actor. I have always been interested in philanthropy and discovered social work. I loved being a social worker so much that I decided to pursue a master’s degree at GCU and I graduate in 2025! Helping people makes me genuinely happy.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I don’t think it’s funny…but I guess now that I look back at it, it’s funny. I used to get very nervous at staffing my cases, and now I believe I am very good at discussing them. I learned that I must trust my instincts.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Failure is part of success. Once you accept the fact that it is what it is, you will be successful and grow from your areas of opportunity.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My friend Nubia. She is my first mentor, and we have a great friendship. She has taught me a big portion of what I know in my work. Once we had a difficult case and we were told to leave the house where we were visiting. I was impacted by that, and she taught me how to care about people and also how to not let it affect my emotions.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I am sharing everything I have learned in life. I have a few studies in lifecoaching, and I wrote the first draft of my book. I work with immigrants and refugees, mental health, and human trafficking.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I am passionate about working with children and families. I am an immigrant as well, and I recently became a citizen. I have made most of my dreams come true, and it is my desire and duty to help others accomplish their goals in life.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
One of my cases was one in which it was hard to prove a relationship because the child had lost everything in a natural disaster back in his home country. He wanted to become a mechanic, and wanted to continue with his studies. I was impacted by his bravery and resilience.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Social advocacy, funding, and awareness. It all starts with awareness, which takes us to advocate in micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and with findings we can acquire funding for these special causes.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
- I cannot be great at each thing relating to my job
- Accountability is key
- You can do more than what you think
- I am enough
- Believe in yourself
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Trauma informed care specifically for human and sex trafficking, for children and adults of all ages. We live in a world where people do crazy things for money and desensitize from it. We must believe survivors and support others to become mandated reporters and avoid the bystander effect, which is when somebody does not do anything about something that seems wrong because they think they could get in trouble or that someone else might deal with the issue.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either. This means we can be happy in the middle of the storm, and we can dance while it’s pouring rain over us.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Lady Gaga. She has an organization called “Born this way”, and I wish to get more involved with it regarding mental health and the LGTBQI community.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Rita Casman Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.