NAPD 2024 Women's Virtual Conference

Kasandra Washington’s career in public defense spans over a decade, marked by a deep commitment to client advocacy and justice reform. After graduating in 2013 with a Criminal Justice degree and a minor in Business from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she began her professional journey at the 15th Judicial Public Defenders Office, first as a Data Entry Clerk. But this was just the start. By 2017, she stepped into a client advocate role with the Orleans Public Defenders, immersing herself in the lives and stories of those she served. Her dedication led her, in early 2019, to the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, where she took on complex mitigation work, handling Montgomery and Miller across Louisiana.

Her next role took her to the East Baton Rouge Public Defenders Office, where she honed her skills as a Mitigation Specialist/Investigator, concentrating on juveniles charged as adults. During this period, Kasandra also earned her private investigator's license, further expanding her expertise and toolkit for advocacy.

By 2021, Kasandra returned to the 15th Judicial Public Defenders Office, this time as Chief Investigator, underscoring her reputation as a respected leader and advocate. However, in March 2023, she took an even bolder step—launching FFO Investigations, a private practice focusing on mitigation and capital case investigations throughout Louisiana. As Owner and CEO of FFO Investigations, she brings her expertise to clients who seek her meticulous approach and deep understanding of the justice system.

Beyond her investigative work, Kasandra has contributed to community empowerment, serving as Co-Chair of Community Outreach for the NAACP’s Baton Rouge Branch and the Vote Louisiana Baton Rouge chapter. Today, she remains a member of the Louisiana Chapter of the National Urban League and was recently selected as one of 300 women in the national Goldman Sachs 100 Million Black Women in Business cohort, continuing to push for justice and change, both in her work and within her community.