Elycia R. Cook has been named a finalist for the 2026 9NEWS NonProfit Leader of the Year award, which is presented by Leading Colorado. The recognition honors nonprofit executives who demonstrate purposeful leadership, build partnerships, and deliver measurable results while addressing significant social and environmental challenges in Colorado.
Cook is currently the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC). She became the first Black CEO in the organization’s 108-year history in 2021. During her tenure, she led BBBSC through expansion efforts that included securing its largest unrestricted gift to date, increasing youth served by more than 21 percent, growing donor diversity, launching new college and career readiness programs, and acquiring FRIENDS FIRST to provide comprehensive support for youth both in schools and communities. Under her leadership, BBBSC received several national awards such as Agency of the Year and Board of the Year.
Before joining BBBSC, Cook was President & CEO of FRIENDS FIRST. She expanded the organization nationally by doubling its budget from $1.2 million to $2.4 million and raising over $8 million in long-term funding. She also launched the STARS peer-mentoring program in more than 20 states.
Cook’s personal background has influenced her professional work significantly. Born during the Detroit riots to a young mother and facing adversity early on—including abuse and instability—she credits mentors with changing her life’s direction. “Your wings will have spread. Go, my sister, go,” Susan L. Taylor told Cook when encouraging her to study abroad in Japan at age 21; an experience that helped shape her passion for mentoring.
Over seven years living abroad in Japan, Cook mentored women globally while supporting youth initiatives and becoming fluent in Japanese. Her dedication to mentoring continues today; she serves as a mentor herself through Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.
Cook participates on national leadership teams such as the Big Vision Accelerator CEO Team and Large Agency Alliance. Her achievements have earned recognition including Titan100 CEO, Most Admired CEO, Top 25 Influential Women in Colorado, and National Mentor Lifetime Achievement Award.
She describes her philosophy as MENTORLIFE: “We all thrive when someone invests in us—and we pay it forward by investing in someone else.” According to organizers at Leading Colorado, finalists like Cook are honored for shaping Colorado’s future through innovation, service, and impact across all sectors.
