Gwendlyn D. Cook

Mrs. Gwendlyn D. Cook is the Founder of Designed to Soar Inc. and an accomplished visionary leader, community advocate, Co-Pastor, and nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience in community outreach, organizational leadership, and transformational service. With eight years of successful supervisory and program-management experience, she has established a respected record of compassionate leadership, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and families in need.

Mrs. Cook holds a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior, offering compassionate guidance, developing effective programs, and leading organizations with wisdom, integrity, and purpose.

In recognition of her outstanding commitment to social change and community advancement, Mrs. Cook received the Milestone Ministerium's prestigious 2014 Social Justice Award, presented in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This distinguished recognition reflects her longstanding commitment to advocacy, equality, human dignity, and service to underserved communities.

Driven by a deep passion for serving others, Mrs. Cook is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Designed to Soar, Inc., a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transitional and permanent housing, supportive services, advocacy, and pathways to self-sufficiency. Under her leadership, the organization works to restore dignity, stability, and hope to veterans, individuals returning to society, people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, individuals with developmental disabilities, and families facing difficult life circumstances.

Mrs. Cook also serves as Co-Pastor and Co-Founder of Kingdom of Grace International Ministries. In this leadership role, she provides spiritual guidance, biblical teaching, pastoral care, and encouragement to individuals and families. Her ministry is rooted in compassion, restoration, faith, and a sincere desire to help people discover their purpose and experience personal and spiritual growth.

Her passion for this work is deeply personal. Having experienced homelessness herself, Mrs. Cook understands the emotional, financial, and social challenges that accompany housing instability. Rather than allowing that experience to define her future, she transformed it into a powerful calling to advocate for others and create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

Through her work in ministry, education, counseling, nonprofit leadership, housing advocacy, and community outreach, Mrs. Cook continues to be a voice for those who are often overlooked. Her life's mission is to develop, empower, equip, and inspire people to rise above adversity, embrace their God-given potential, and move forward with renewed dignity, confidence, stability, and hope.