Sarai Cook

Background

About Sarai Cook

Sarai Cook is an attorney and advocate who has experienced many adverse childhood experiences in her formative years, as well as navigating multiple systems, including the foster care system, juvenile justice system, prison system, and education system. These lived experiences, coupled with her professional background and research interests, give her a unique perspective on how trauma-informed services can positively impact people. Ms. Cook has dedicated her career to empowering and encouraging others to pursue their dreams no matter what their circumstances might be. Since graduating from law school in 2011, she has worked in community development and public service at the tribal level with the Muscogee Nation, nationally with the United States Department of Energy, and internationally. As the recipient of the National Center for Native American Economic Development's 40-under-40 award, the Muscogee Creek Nation's Professional of the Year award, and the New Leadership Oregon outstanding alumni award, she has been recognized for her exceptional work in the field. In addition to leading the National Trauma Awareness Initiative, Ms. Cook writes and speaks about the intersection between mass incarceration, disability law, civil rights law, and creating thriving systems. She brings valuable first-hand insight into policy work, where many impacted people do not have a voice. Ms. Cook's dedication to promoting trauma-informed services has made a profound impact on the lives of those she serves and continues to influence positive change within legal and advocacy communities.