Being Bonterra: Meet Cassandra Stone, one of the brightest minds in tech
Explore the journey of Bonterra's Cassandra Stone, a software engineer who uses tech, AI, and volunteerism to empower social good organizations.
For Cassandra Stone, “bright” isn’t just a word to describe her journey: It’s the way she approaches everything she does. As a senior software engineer at Bonterra, it’s woven into the code she writes, the purpose she carries, and the future she’s helping to build. Her story is a vibrant illustration of how curiosity, compassion, and creativity are powering the engine of social good technology at Bonterra.
Curiosity in action: From campaign trail to tech
Cassandra grew up in New Jersey and attended college in Pennsylvania, where her path toward mission-driven tech began. While studying, she worked on Representative Mary Gay Scanlon’s inaugural House campaign — her first encounter with the NGP VAN tools that would later shape her career.
The following year, she landed a software engineering internship at NGP VAN under the mentorship of Sarah Cartwright, now a fellow Bonterra team member.
“I learned a lot very quickly, grew immensely as an engineer, and loved that the tools I was building were helping others make the world a better place,” Cassandra reflects.
Purpose in practice: Finding her place at Bonterra
After her early experiences in civic tech, Cassandra sought a place where her engineering skills could continue to serve a greater purpose. She found that perfect intersection at Bonterra, a company where tech and compassion are not mutually exclusive but are instead powerful partners for progress. Here, she could channel her passion for purpose directly into the architecture of innovative solutions.
Heart in motion: Volunteering in Indonesia
During the summer of 2025, Cassandra took advantage of Bonterra’s volunteer hours to travel to Indonesia, partnering with local doctors to host a cardiac clinic in a remote part of Sumatra. The team screened 305 children and identified 60 with heart issues, connecting them to government programs for essential treatment.
“Being able to take the time to step away from my usual work and be present in lives outside of my own definitely renewed my sense of purpose,” Cassandra shares. “It energized me to return to work, where I get to support clients doing meaningful work every day.”
Community in focus: Representing Bonterra beyond her desk
Back on the domestic front, Cassandra recently represented Bonterra at the Grace Hopper Celebration in Chicago, the world’s largest gathering of women and nonbinary technologists.
“I loved hearing about the challenges other technologists are addressing, and discovering how their lessons could inform the solutions we’re developing at Bonterra.”
Innovation with impact: Building Bonterra Que
At Bonterra, Cassandra channels her sense of purpose directly into her work. She’s especially proud of contributing to the launch of Bonterra Que, a groundbreaking product introduced to EveryAction and Network for Good clients.
“There were so many fun technical challenges we got to solve as we embraced the exciting new world of AI,” she says. “What we launched is truly only the beginning. The potential here is limitless.”
Cassandra finds deep fulfillment in knowing her work helps those who help others:
“I literally get to build the tools that go into the hands of our clients who are doing good in the world. It’s extremely gratifying.”
Lessons and reflections: Advice for the next generation of builders
When asked what guidance she’d share with others starting their careers in tech, Cassandra offers a lesson that’s shaped her own path:
“The best advice I ever got early in my career is to learn to manage up. There are ways to take charge of your work and be proactive about solving problems that will allow you to stand out.”
Her advice is rooted in empowerment, the same spirit that drives her work each day.
Living bright: Heart, curiosity, and purpose
Outside of work, Cassandra finds joy in the simple things: long walks, board games with her fiancé, and time spent staying grounded.
“Making sure I’m happy and centered outside of work helps me be a better person when I’m at work,” she says.
Her journey — from campaign tech to global volunteerism to building innovative AI solutions — reflects exactly what it means to be “Bonterra bright” — leading with heart, curiosity, and purpose.
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