Cara Gallo Massey is an accomplished journalist specializing in the healthcare, consumer, and non-profit sectors. She graduated with honors from Florida Atlantic University, where she received a B.S. in Biological Sciences. In 2014, she and her son, Dylan Massey, established the Charles Russell Massey Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund in memory of her late husband, Charles Massey, Ph.D. Dr. Massey served as an Associate Professor in FAU’s Criminal Justice Department for 32 years, where he also held the position of Department Chair. He was the founder of the New Pines Project, a crime-prevention initiative for at-risk youth, which later became the Boys and Girls Club of Boca Raton.

The endowment fund, the first scholarship offered to students pursuing degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice at FAU, celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2025. Over the past decade, the fund has provided tuition assistance and internship opportunities to deserving students whose goals reflect Dr. Massey’s vision of reducing crime through prevention programs and local community outreach.

Cara has been a longtime supporter of the College of Social Science and Criminal Justice and is deeply honored to join the College’s Inaugural Philanthropic Advisory Board.

“It has been a privilege to be able to award a scholarship each year through the endowment fund, but I am overjoyed that, in this role, I will have the opportunity to impact many more deserving students. I’m excited to work alongside such talented colleagues on the board to advance the College’s mission of fostering positive change, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing the College’s reputation and reach.

Moreover, it is an honor to carry forward my husband’s legacy as an educator at FAU and to celebrate his passion for his students and his contributions to the field of criminology. Through both the scholarship and my service on this board, I am proud to help ensure that Charles’ commitment to education, mentorship, and community impact continues to inspire future generations.”

Alongside her work as a medical journalist, Cara supports many local non-profits, including the Miracle League of Palm Beach County, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Achievement Center for Children and Families.