Name: Latasha Causey
Current Profession(s): President, Phoenix Raceway
Please describe your role(s) in your profession(s): I am the President of NASCAR's Phoenix Raceway, overseeing the promotion and operation of the modernized facility that is a top motorsports and entertainment destination in the Phoenix, AZ, market. I am the first African American female to hold this role in NASCAR's history.
Please describe your pathway to your current profession(s): While I am a Phoenix native, spent many years in the corporate world as a leader, it was my network that lead me to NASCAR. I built a great relationship with the previous Track President, Julie Giese, she introduced me to Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR. I was a founding member of a group of community leaders she brought together called, Accelerators, who help bring awareness for Phoenix Raceway. When Julie left Arizona to go to take on the Chicago Street Race, she called to ask if I would be interested in becoming the next Track President for Phoenix Raceway and the rest is history.
What is your education/training background? Prior to joining NASCAR, I worked for various financial organizations having a vast knowledge of the Community Development and Human Resources fields. Latasha holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Arizona State University, Master of Arts Degree with a concentration in Organizational Management.
Advice you'd give to your younger self: I would have told my younger self all of the hard work, dedication, good things, bad things, everything happening is preparing you to one day make history.
Who has influenced you? I have always been strongly influenced by my parents, who still to this day live in the same house I was born and raised in. My parents truly provided the opportunity for me to be where I am, ensuring I continued my education. Pushing me to work hard at all that has been in front of me and to never take the easy route. My parents are even more influential today, their support as grandparents has been instrumental in allowing me to work the way that I do. They help us tremendously with our kids, yes it takes a village and yes it's ok to ask for help!
Tell us about anything you are passionate about outside of your profession(s): When I am not at Phoenix Raceway I am either spending time watching my sons play sports, one baseball the other basketball. If I am not being sports mom then I am out serving the community, I like to stay very active in giving back. I volunteer my time by currently serving on Valley of the Sun United Way and Boys and Girls Club of the Valley.
Please feel free to tell us anything else that you'd like to share: I love a good quote so it's only right I share one of my favorite leadership quotes:
"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact last in your absence." ~Sheryl Sandberg
