We sit down with Elycia Cook, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado, to get real about what mentoring is and what it is not, from safety and matching to the slow work of earning trust. We also dig into “mentor life,” the ripple effect from one consistent relationship, and why showing up beats being perfect every time.

• Elycia’s personal story of growing up with adversity and being shaped by mentors

• Mentoring as igniting potential through access, opportunity, and social capital

• What Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado looks for in Littles and Bigs

• How matchmaking works, why safety checks are strict, and what happens when a match is not the right fit

• The mac and cheese story as a lesson in patience, consistency, and trust-building

• How mentoring transforms Bigs too, including empathy, relationships, and community connection

• The biggest myths that stop people from volunteering, including time, age, and fear

• How to support the mission through volunteering, advocacy, career talks, and donations

If this conversation sparked something in you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review. Then take one step: visit biglittlecolorado.org to volunteer or donate, and tell us what kind of mentor you want to be.

Website: https://biglittlecolorado.org/events/big-little-gala/