Page 16 - LRCC FOCUS Magazine December 2025

Rebecca

Bahar-Cook

2025 ATHENA

LEADERSHIP

AWARD

RECIPIENT

Leading Through
Connection, Collaboration,
and Community
Impact

By Liz Reno-Hayes

he Lansing Regional event execution, capital
Chamber of Commerce campaigns, feasibility studies,
T has selected Rebecca board development, and
Bahar-Cook as the next recruitment of volunteer
recipient of the prestigious fundraising committee
ATHENA Leadership members. Bahar-Cook
Award, an honor that has also provided
celebrates the potential training sessions
of all women as leaders on fundraising best
and recognizes those who practices to numerous
support them. Established statewide nonprofits,
in 1982 by Martha Mertz, associations, and
former LRCC president, the candidate training
ATHENA Award has become organizations.
a worldwide recognition,
honoring individuals who Bahar-Cook’s roots run
achieve the highest levels of deep in the East Lansing
professional accomplishment, excel in community. She earned her
their field, devote time and energy to their B.A. from Michigan State University
community, and pave pathways for other women in 1992 and is proud to have raised two
to succeed. other MSU graduates with her husband, Todd.
Currently, she serves on the MSU Board of Trustees
And when it comes to leadership, Bahar-Cook is and remains an active member of nearly ten other
a powerhouse whose career has been defined by boards and committees. She also served on the
strategy, mentorship, and an unwavering Ingham County Board of Commissioners from 2006
commitment to community. As CEO of Capital to 2016. Beyond her professional accomplishments,
Fundraising Associates (CFA), she leads an Bahar-Cook’s true legacy lies in her mentorship, civic
organization that helps nonprofits raise engagement, and the profound impact she has had
philanthropic dollars more effectively. CFA provides on the Lansing community and beyond.
strategic guidance on fundraising planning and

16 FOCUS MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2025