What People Say

Testimonials

Rising in Truth. Leading with Purpose.

Hear from organizations and audiences who have experienced the transformational impact of Authentic Ascension Collective.

Featured Testimonials

"Elycia and Aliyah are dynamic, compelling speakers who consistently deliver with excellence. Their presence is authentic, their message is timely, and their ability to move an audience is remarkable. When you hear them speak, you will laugh, you may cry, and you will absolutely leave thought-provoked, uplifted, and inspired to grow. I highly recommend them for keynote addresses, workshops, and leadership events."

Christyle 'Style' Russell, MBA, CRPS®, CMFC®

Joint Experience

"The Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience and the GRIT Coach Program had the pleasure of hosting Elycia Cook as our final keynote speaker for the 2025 GRIT Conference: Elevating Education on March 14th, 2025. Elycia discussed her story of personal resilience and her journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters. A special addition to her keynote was when she brought out her mentee to dance on stage, instilling joy and enthusiasm from our audience. Elycia was a pleasure to work with. She was professional, informative, and importantly a dynamic and engaging speaker. We recommend her as a speaker for any resilience or community programming conference or gathering."

Nicole Weis

Director of Healing and Community Programs

Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Elycia Cook
Conference Feedback Report

SNC 2026 — Aliyah Cook, Closing Speaker

Survey results from the 2026 SNC Conference. Aliyah was the standout highlight of the entire conference, scoring highest among all speakers and programs.

9.44

Avg. Score (out of 10)

84

Survey Respondents

Top performer of the conference

What Students Said

"She was very inspiring and very supportive."

— Student

"Really gave meaning to chart your own course."

— Student

"Her message was empowering."

— Student

"I understand what the struggle she had to go to."

— Student

"Elycia and Aliyah are dynamic, compelling speakers who consistently deliver with excellence. Their presence is authentic, their message is timely, and their ability to move an audience is remarkable. When you hear them speak, you will laugh, you may cry, and you will absolutely leave thought-provoked, uplifted, and inspired to grow. I highly recommend them for keynote addresses, workshops, and leadership events."

Christyle 'Style' Russell, MBA, CRPS®, CMFC®

Joint Experience

"The Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience and the GRIT Coach Program had the pleasure of hosting Elycia Cook as our final keynote speaker for the 2025 GRIT Conference: Elevating Education on March 14th, 2025. Elycia discussed her story of personal resilience and her journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters. A special addition to her keynote was when she brought out her mentee to dance on stage, instilling joy and enthusiasm from our audience. Elycia was a pleasure to work with. She was professional, informative, and importantly a dynamic and engaging speaker. We recommend her as a speaker for any resilience or community programming conference or gathering."

Nicole Weis

Director of Healing and Community Programs

Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Elycia Cook

"Aliyah has been speaking with confidence and clarity since she was a child, and what makes her voice so powerful is that it's rooted in lived experience, relentless practice, and a deep commitment to advocacy not just for others but also for herself. Aliyah speaks with the spirit of an activist and the wisdom of generations behind her. She is bold, intentional, and unwavering. The kind of person who stands firm in her message even when it would be easier to stay quiet. Her delivery is captivating, but what truly sets her apart is the way she makes people feel seen, empowered, and capable of more than they believed possible. When Aliyah speaks, people listen. If you're not in the room, you'll stop what you're doing just to find out who has that kind of presence. She builds intrigue, pulls her audience in, and leaves them feeling invincible. Aliyah doesn't just speak - she leaves an imprint."

Lana Hailemariam

Aliyah Cook

"Elycia is the definition of authenticity, and that is where her power as a speaker truly lives. She has a presence that feels grounded, real, and deeply human. The kind that makes people instantly trust her voice and lean in to hear more. What makes Elycia so remarkable is that, looking at her, you would never guess the challenges she has endured and overcome. She carries herself with strength and grace, but it's her story, and her willingness to show up fully as herself, that makes her message so impactful. Elycia doesn't just speak about resilience; she embodies it. She has a rare ability to make hard things feel more possible, because she has lived through so much of what others are still trying to survive. She reminds people that they can rise, rebuild, and push forward because she has already done it first. She inspires without trying to impress. She speaks with truth, courage, and clarity, and she leaves people feeling stronger simply from witnessing her. Elycia doesn't simply command a room, she transforms it."

Lana Hailemariam

Elycia Cook

"Aliyah Cook is an articulate speaker whose presence draws attention while lending emotional safety to her audience. She delivers insight with clarity, purpose, and heart, leaving listeners feeling inspired and motivated toward positive action."

Andy (Andrea) Matott

Director of Grants

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado

Aliyah Cook

"Elycia Cook is a magnetic and impactful speaker who blends wisdom and insight in a way that inspires real change. As she shares her lived experiences in a raw and real fashion, she influences her listeners to know better and do better with every challenge, every day."

Andy (Andrea) Matott

Director of Grants

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado

Elycia Cook

"Elycia's energy was contagious, and I enjoyed her presentation being focused on the current climate and how she has approached different hurdles throughout her career. It was inspiring seeing her successes mapped out, and discussing the challenges that are facing many of our organizations today. The leadership perspective of Elycia's presentation was spot on and incredibly inspiring."

Anonymous Participant

Institute for Leaders in Development, University of Denver

Elycia Cook

"Elycia Cook is one of the most powerful speakers I have ever heard. She has an incredible ability to connect with an audience on a deeply personal level while simultaneously delivering a message that is both strategic and inspiring. Her authenticity is rare — she doesn't just talk about resilience, she lives it, and you feel that the moment she steps on stage. Elycia has a gift for making every person in the room feel seen and called to be better."

Lakeasha Smith

Elycia Cook

"Aliyah Cook is a force. She speaks with a confidence and conviction that is extraordinary for someone her age. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to bridge generations — she makes older audiences listen and younger audiences feel represented. Aliyah doesn't just speak about youth voice; she embodies what it looks like when a young person fully steps into their power."

Jake Sullivan

Aliyah Cook

"The first time I heard Aliyah speak, I was mesmerized by the depth and reach of Aliyah's message, especially from someone younger than me. Aliyah embodies truth, speaking to issues that are right in front of us yet often unaddressed. When Aliyah speaks, you feel moved, seen, and motivated to take action."

Kesha Kayhill

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)

Aliyah Cook

"My mentor Elycia Cook, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Denver, is a phenomenal and deeply authentic speaker. Elycia's talks are truly motivational, rooted in real-life vulnerabilities that have become the stepping stones on Elycia's path to success. Elycia connects with people in a way that feels both relatable and inspiring, the kind of leader whose guidance stays with you long after Elycia speaks."

Kesha Kayhill

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)

Elycia Cook

"I had the opportunity to hear Elycia deliver a Keynote Speech at a University of Colorado, Colorado Springs GRIT Training Conference. Elycia was a late afternoon speaker, which is a challenging time frame to deliver a keynote speech. Not only did Elycia step up to the challenge, but she surpassed all our expectations. Elycia used music to catch our attention, interactive games to engage us and prove a point; and she also shared her upbringing and how she practiced resilience to overcome many of the obstacles she faced in her life to get where she is today. Elycia's keynote was fresh, fun, interactive and left the audience feeling energized as only she can! You will not regret hiring Elycia as your keynote speaker!"

Danielle Thompson

Higher Education Specialist

CU Anschutz

Elycia Cook

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