section_path: Early life
section_name: Early life
paragraph_text: Early life
  
  Casandra Elizabeth Ventura was born on August 26, 1986, in New London, Connecticut. Her mother Regina is of African, Mexican and West Indian descent. Her father Rod is Filipino. She attended The Williams School, a preparatory school, located on the Connecticut College campus. At age 14, Cassie began modeling and by 16 was modeling for local department stores, Delia's fashion catalog and Seventeen. Cassie briefly appeared in R&B singer Mario 's " Just a Friend 2002 " music video.
  
  Encouraged by producer Rockwilder, Ventura took vocal lessons, modern ballet, as well as using her school's performing arts program. She finished high school in 2004 and moved to New York City, where she returned to modeling and classes at the Broadway Dance Center. She began booking print and commercial modeling gigs and being represented by Wilhelmina Models.
  
  Casandra Elizabeth Ventura was born on August 26, 1986, in New London, Connecticut. Her mother Regina is of African, Mexican and West Indian descent. Her father Rod is Filipino. She attended The Williams School, a preparatory school, located on the Connecticut College campus. At age 14, Cassie began modeling and by 16 was modeling for local department stores, Delia's fashion catalog and Seventeen. Cassie briefly appeared in R&B singer Mario 's " Just a Friend 2002 " music video.
  
  Encouraged by producer Rockwilder, Ventura took vocal lessons, modern ballet, as well as using her school's performing arts program. She finished high school in 2004 and moved to New York City, where she returned to modeling and classes at the Broadway Dance Center. She began booking print and commercial modeling gigs and being represented by Wilhelmina Models.