Alumni Update: Cassaundra Ruzsa Paquette, Show Production & Event Management

Cassaundra Ruzsa Paquette, a graduate of the Show Production & Event Management Diploma Program, has established a compelling and multi-faceted career in the Canadian country music scene. She is currently working with not one, not two, but three industry-leading companies, including New Country 100.7 FM – the home of the syndicated radio program The Casey Clarke Show, Creative Okanagan, and the Country Music Association of Ontario.  

Cassaundra first began working with New Country 100.7 in May 2018, when she was hired on as their Summer Fun Finder – a role which involved creating her own schedule and promoting the radio station by attending events throughout the Okanagan Valley. When summer ended, she was offered two new roles with the station. She now works as a Content Producer for The Casey Clarke Show, as an announcer for her own weekend program, and a substitute announcer for other personalities at the station.   

When she isn’t at New Country 100.7, Cassaundra is busy working at Creative Okanagan, an organization dedicated to helping local artists in the Okanagan Valley by organizing annual music festivals. There, she works alongside the Director to organize logistics for Creative Okanagan’s events, which include the annual festivals BreakOut West, Music in The Park, World Music Festival, and the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. 

Last but not least, Cassaundra continues to work with the Canadian Country Music Association of Ontario for their annual awards show and conference. 

After catching up with Cassaundra about her career, we asked her “What has been the most helpful aspect of your Metalworks education?” and this is what she had to say: 

“It is hard to say what has been the most helpful aspect of my Metalworks Education. I have taken so much out of my time at Metalworks. The Show Production & Event Management program taught me a lot about different aspects of the music industry, especially in live music environments, which has helped me to stand out from other people. Having experience and knowledge in multiple avenues definitely makes you an asset… Thank you Metalworks for giving me the experience and knowledge I needed to succeed in my career.” 

Cassaundra then finished up our interview with some inspiring words of wisdom for current students: 

“Do not give up. Even if you fail multiple times. Because as long as you love what you are doing, there is no reason to ever lose faith in yourself. It will work out, and it will be worth it.” 

Be sure to tune in to New Country 100.7 on weekends to catch Cassaundra on the Radio!