Adrian Cook is the Project Director for Let Our Voices Empower (L.O.V.E.), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing youth violence and creating opportunities for at-risk youth and families. His leadership is both professional and deeply personal. Having overcome homelessness and sexual abuse as a child, Adrian understands firsthand the challenges many young people face. His early life took a difficult turn, culminating in two federal prison sentences totaling over 18 years.

During his incarceration, Adrian made a powerful decision to transform his life. He dedicated his time to writing several books, one of which was published in 2015, and enrolled in the Residential Drug Adaptation Program (RDAP), a behavior modification course where he became a peer mentor. As a mentor, Adrian built lifelong bonds with fellow inmates, encouraging them to adopt new belief systems and make better life choices—lessons he continues to share today.

Adrian co-created and facilitated a Life Development course with his business partner, Toby Hunter, designed to empower individuals to find balance in three key areas of life: physical, intellectual, and spiritual. His work within the prison system not only impacted his peers but also strengthened his commitment to service and self-improvement.

In 2017, Adrian was granted clemency by President Barack Obama, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Since his release, Adrian has remained steadfast in his dedication to his community, focusing particularly on engaging youth and inspiring them to make positive life choices.

As a speaker and mentor, Adrian draws from his own experiences to show young people that, no matter their circumstances, they have the power to change their futures. Today, Adrian leads L.O.V.E. with the same dedication and passion that helped him transform his own life. The organization focuses on mentoring, life coaching, workforce development, and trauma-informed care to disrupt the cycle of poverty and violence.

Adrian’s personal journey of overcoming adversity allows him to connect deeply with the youth and families he serves, offering them hope and a path toward a better life. He resides in Hampton, Virginia, and is the proud father of five children. Three of his children are in college, one is a college graduate, and his youngest is in junior high. He is currently working on his next book, One Heart at a Time, which continues his mission to inspire and uplift others.

Adrian’s story is a testament to the power of second chances and the profound impact one person can have on their community.