Resilient CEO Of The Year
Sixto Cancel
Think of Us
Sixto Cancel is the Founder and CEO of Think of Us. Think of Us (TOU) is an Action Tank driving systematic change in child welfare. Through focused projects and sweeping initiatives, TOU drives structural changes in child welfare policy and practice.
Sixto was named as Forbes Top 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs and is on the 2021 Forbes Under30 Lister Board. Sixto has been recognized by the White House as a “White House Champion of Change'', a “Millennial Maker” by BET, and named “Top 24 Changemakers in Government under 24” by the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council and Sparkaction. Sixto has served as a Young Fellow at Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative since 2010 where he has played a key role in the initiative’s work of extending foster care permanency for older youth.
Sixto is a Clinton Global Initiative University Alum, a FastForward Alum, an Ashoka Fellow, a Board Member of Adventr – an interactive SMART video tech company – and most recently on the Advisory Board for Box, Inc. Sixto and the team at Think of Us are working to ensure that every person has the conditions they need to heal, develop and thrive.
Watch Sixto's CEO Award Interview
From Sixto
"Regarding the AFN experience, to be with other CEOs and hear the same questions, pivots, big strategic existential questions you are also wrestling with, and yes, it is different fields and geographies, but I felt I was on the right track because I am struggling with the same things. And the question is, what is the fundamental takeaway? Which of the strategies will you take away and act on that you heard from the other CEOs?"
From AFN CEO Matt Sitter
"In 2021, so many organizations faced trying circumstances. Sixto and Think of Us are an inspiration in finding the will and capability to help those in our foster care system. Sixto's leadership, clear vision, and tenacity has mobilized his team and a complex ecosystem to drive lasting change."