March is Women’s History Month, and we have celebrated by honoring the achievements of women who have led the way for change and inspired our community. In addition to celebrating leaders who shaped our past, we recognize that there are countless Leadership Foundation alumni who are currently having an impact on our community. Today, I’d like to introduce you to alums Elycia Cook, Amber McReynolds and Erin Pulling.
Elycia Cook, a Leadership Denver (LD) 2019 alum, was recently named the first Black CEO in 104 years of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. Elycia knows the importance of mentorship and the impact it can have. Elycia believes in “being the person you needed most as a child” for youth in our community. She has been a mentor to young women around the world and is an advocate for representation, not only in mentorship but in community engagement and service. “It’s important to have representation that reflects the community being served … Often the people who are making the decisions, don’t represent the people that are most impacted by those decisions. That must change,” Elycia said. Elycia serves on the board of Jack and Jill of America – South Suburban Denver Chapter, Community FIRST Foundation and Social Ventures Partners Denver.
Amber McReynolds, an LD 2017 alum and CEO for the National Vote At Home Institute and Coalition, is dedicated to putting voters first. With 20 years of experience in election policy, Amber has worked to improve systems to better serve voters. Prior to her position with National Vote At Home, Amber was the director of elections for Denver where she transformed the elections division into a national and international award-winning office. Amber is now trying to replicate the Colorado system nationally, so everyone has access to voting. “It’s a transformational process to help others make change,” she said. Amber also co-authored “When Women Vote” in honor of the 100-year anniversary of the 19th amendment and to advocate for further election reform. She serves on the board of City Year Denver, the National Task Force on Election Crises and the National Council on Election Integrity, and was appointed to serve on the U.S. Postal Service board of governors.
Erin Pulling, an LD 2012 and Leadership Exchange alum, is passionate about getting nutritional food in the hands of people who need it. As CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, Erin has seen firsthand the increased need for food due to COVID-19. Food Bank of the Rockies has increased food distribution by 50% each month on average, and 40% of the people they serve haven’t needed help before. She’s grateful for how her staff, volunteers and community united to respond to the increase in need. Erin also is an advocate for listening to her community. “It’s important for the community to be involved in the food conversation. We want to make sure that the food we’re serving is what they need,” she said. Erin is the incoming chair for the Colorado Nonprofit Association and volunteers with Project Angel Heart and The Delores Project.
Join me in thanking these alumni for their work – and supporting them as they continue to lead and make an impact.
Dan Lewis is the executive director of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
