An entrepreneur, author, advocate, and graduate of Upward Class Five, Dr. Olivia Cook is the paradigm of determination and leadership. She’s also a three-time Auburn University alumna, holding a Bachelor’s of Science in Polymer and Fiber Engineering, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a PhD in Public Administration and Public Policy. Needless to say, she is a powerhouse leader.
Dr. Cook with fellow Upward Class Five members
In 2020, she began her career working with clients like Auburn’s Harbert College of Business to teach business pitching skills, as well as the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Later that same year, she became a self-published author. To date, her book, For the Love of Thirty, has sold over 1,000 copies.
In 2021, Dr. Cook joined Miles College as the Inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Economic and Social Justice under Momentum Executive Class One alumna, President Bobbie Knight. During her tenure, she helped the college receive a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that started the Miles College Women’s Business Center, helping women in the early stages of running their own businesses. It was then that she became a member of our fifth Upward class.
“Upward was impactful not just professionally, but personally too. I discovered my values and was able to take it a step further by using those values to set boundaries in my life,” she said.
With the new skills and a support network from Momentum, Dr. Cook took a leap of faith and launched her consulting firm, OVA Consulting Firm.
“I was surrounded by incredible, strong women who served as a support structure.”
When she first shared her exciting news about her new venture, she was overwhelmed by the support she received from her fellow class members. Dr. Cook credits her Momentum experience with increasing her social capital, which went on to help her significantly in her return to entrepreneurship by way of clients and connections.
Upward Class Five, AM
Making any career transition is challenging, but Dr. Cook learned the importance of taking that first step in Upward. Inspired by facilitator Kathy Boswell’s advice to “move at a pace of peace,” she reflected on her values and how to make a meaningful impact, prioritizing peace in every career decision she made going forward.
Dr. Cook is an inspiration to those around her. She’s a fierce advocate for women and minorities, setting an example for female leaders in the community. While she has already accomplished so much in the early years of her career, we know the best is yet to come.
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