Magie Cook

Dr. Magie Cook, born Magdalena De La Cruz Cook Garcia, is a businesswoman and entrepreneur recognized for founding "Maggie's All Natural Fresh Salsa's & Dips," a company that grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise and was sold to Campbell Soup at a $231 million valuation. Cook taught herself basketball, earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Charleston. After graduation, she experienced homelessness in West Virginia before winning a Fresh Salsa competition, which provided her with $800 to launch her salsa business.

With limited resources and business experience, Cook developed a business plan and expanded her product distribution nationwide by cold-calling grocery stores and learning the intricacies of production, distribution, team building, company culture, sales, and consumer marketing. The company’s revenue increased from $12,000 to $1.9 million in one year. Maggie's Salsa achieved over 500% growth and received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Small Business Administration. Cook also received the Nobel Entrepreneurial Prize in Mexico and was inducted into the University of Charleston Hall of Fame. Her products reached 38 states and were sold in supermarkets such as Whole Foods, Sam's Club, and Walmart.

After selling her company, Cook focused on philanthropy, returning to Mexico to serve as the US Program Director of the Give New Life Orphanage, where she grew up. She addressed issues related to human trafficking and led efforts to rescue 31 children from the cartel and sex trade. Cook also established the Magdalena Cook Foundation in Mexico, providing education and basic necessities to orphaned children rescued from trafficking.

Cook is a keynote speaker, sharing research-based strategies for organizational performance, employee well-being, and workplace culture transformation. She has addressed Fortune 100 and 500 companies, teaching leaders how to leverage personal strengths for growth and resilience. Cook is also an author and philanthropist, with a film about her journey in development with Hollywood Dreams.