The Team

Meet the Speakers

Rising in Truth. Leading with Purpose.

A mother and daughter united by purpose — bringing wisdom, lived experience, and a new generation's boldness to every stage.

Elycia R. Cook
Transformational Leader • CEO • National Keynote Speaker

Elycia R. Cook

Elycia R. Cook is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, transformational leader, and mentor whose work bridges lived experience with strategic leadership. Raised in Detroit amid poverty, violence, and abuse, Elycia defied the odds through the power of mentorship—and has since dedicated her life to building leaders, institutions, and communities rooted in authenticity and equity.

She serves as President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado and is the recipient of numerous leadership awards, including the National Mentor Lifetime Achievement Award. Elycia brings depth, credibility, and humanity to every stage.

Signature Keynotes
  • Grit: Get It. Grow It. Give It To Others.
  • Twisted. Unraveled. Refined.
  • JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion) IN OUR DNA: Strategic Planning Through a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Lens
  • Leading with Authenticity
National Mentor Lifetime Achievement AwardNational Keynote ExperienceTrauma-Informed ApproachCEO & Executive Leader
Aliyah Cook
National Youth Voice Speaker • Community Builder • Leadership Facilitator

Aliyah Cook

Aliyah Cook began her speaking and advocacy journey at just eight years old after questioning why she had never had a teacher of color in her school district. That question led her to become the face of Colorado House Bill 14-1175—later known as Aliyah's Law—signed into law in 2014.

Since then, Aliyah has become a nationally sought-after youth voice speaker, presenting across the country on advocacy, racial identity and justice, elevating youth voice, representation, belonging, and the power of mentorship. She is celebrated for her confidence, humor, and empowering calls to action.

Aliyah currently serves as an Enrollment Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Atlanta, where she witnesses firsthand how systems of inequity, poverty, and privilege shape opportunity for young people and families.

Signature Focus Areas
  • Youth Voice
  • Mentorship
  • Belonging
  • Emerging Adult Leadership
  • Identity & Solidarity
National Youth Keynote ExperienceSignature Poem 'Black'Community BuilderYouth Advocate

Book the Joint Experience

Want both Elycia and Aliyah on your stage? The mother-daughter duo delivers an unforgettable intergenerational keynote experience.

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