Since its inception in 2013, Azizi Marshall, founder and chief executive officer of the Center for Creative Arts Therapy (C4CAT), has positioned the company as a leader in mental health care with a mission to empower individuals and organizations to prioritize well-being and resilience. Over the past three years, Marshall has overseen an evolution at the organization, pivoting from community-focused therapy to workplace wellness and mental health training for organizations.
“By integrating creative arts therapies with evidence-based practices, we equip businesses with the tools to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and enhance employee resilience, satisfaction, and productivity,” said Marshall, a two-time Titan 100. “At C4CAT, we believe in the power of creativity to heal, inspire, and drive positive change in both personal and professional lives.”
Drawing on her early experience performing educational plays with her father through the American Red Cross, Marshall has infused storytelling, role-play and experiential learning into C4CAT’s programs.
Under her leadership, the organization has implemented innovative techniques like the “yes, and” approach from improv theater and psychological safety frameworks. Through both in-person and virtual training options, C4CAT has expanded its reach, increasing engagement by 40% and partnering with schools, startups and nonprofits.
Notable collaborations include the Joffrey Ballet School, where Marshall’s team supports dancers and educators under high-pressure demands, and the Anti-Cruelty Society, providing emotional support to staff in emotionally taxing roles. These efforts have elevated C4CAT into a nationally recognized leader in workplace mental health solutions, with a 30% increase in revenue.
Marshall’s leadership is rooted in resilience, a quality honed during times of professional and personal challenge. Despite navigating setbacks such as staffing reductions and financial pressures, she remained steadfast in her commitment to innovation and her team’s well-being. “I believe these challenges have only made my team and I stronger and more resolute in our mission,” she said. “The greatest leadership lesson I’ve learned through this tumultuous year is the profound importance of resilience.”
This resilience has shaped her approach to mentorship and service, inspiring future leaders through initiatives like her workshops with DuPage SCORE and guest lectures at Columbia College Chicago.
“The goal is to highlight how creative arts therapy can be a powerful tool for personal development and mental health support,” said Marshall. “By demonstrating the impact of creative approaches on emotional well-being and resilience, I aim to inspire students to integrate these practices into their future career paths.”