revenue sources or new revenue opportunities, despite exponential increase in demand for services, and expansion of programming in communities that need it most. Secondly, it seems as if more local Colorado funds are being directed to smaller, BIPOC lead, more grassroots, organizations. I fully support this commitment. And, I am a leader of color, serving almost 80% Black and Brown youth, who has dedicated my life to creating programs that are proven to work, collaborating with and helping to build capacity with smaller nonprofits, while strengthening BBBSC’s commitment to cultural competency and community voice more than ever before. We continue to drive representation and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at every level of the organization. I am learning a lot from our funders and more importantly we are giving more voice and power to the communities that we serve. Yet, I sometimes feel like I am fighting an uphill battle internally and externally. As I navigate this journey some feel like I am not driving JEDI enough, especially our younger staff and perhaps some funders. Others usually of a different generation, have expressed that they think BBBSC has become too focused on Justice,
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I don’t believe in cancel culture but in working it out where you will always hear me say win-win-win. The greatest win is for those we serve. This can be a delicate balancing act, but it should not be. This work is not a divider but a unifier. It should be embedded into all that we do and all that we are as an organization, a society, and as a people, so that ALL MAY THRIVE ! Secondly, with the rising cost of living, the cost of employment is higher and harder for nonprofits to meet the salary levels of for profit, hospitals, and universities. Our people do good work, meaningful work. Nonprofits are crucial to thriving communities, companies, the economy, and humanity. WE CAN NOT TAKE THE BEST CARE OF OUR PEOPLE AND SUPPORT THEM IN BEING WHOLE without financial resources that align with rising cost of living, Healthcare and overall cost of doing business. I know I have many areas in which I can grow as a leader, influencer and effective communicator. Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado and I personally have many champions, supporters, and advocates of all races, genders and generations; I hope you know who you are. I am forever grateful. Yet the findings of the BridgeSpan study still reign true and there is still much work to be done. Therefore, I cannot discount or rule out the role my gender and ethnicity play here. This is where I must celebrate every victory both large and small. I invite others to do the same. I also continue to lean into my papa’s voice telling me, “I Am More Than Enough so lead with no regrets.” Cole: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the nonprofit world today, and how do you see Big Brothers Big Sisters overcoming them? Cook: Today’s nonprofit sector faces evolving donor priorities, rising living costs impacting staff compensation, and growing turnover among early-career professionals. Additionally, COVID-19 exacerbated mental health disparities
Photo: McBoat Photography
22 The Acumen
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