2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Vickie Hicks

“A few years ago, I learned that when you are using your God-given gifts, you will find joy,” Hicks says.

She has discovered that joy in her many roles as a leader, mentor, role model and coach, whether she’s supervising 73 kids at church camp, serving as 2006-07 president of the Leadership Springfield board or working alongside KPM leaders to grow the business.

“It is my desire to bring optimism, encouragement and a willing heart to whatever role I am given,” says Hicks, who took on the job of promoting KPM in 2003.

Though she earned a bachelor’s degree in education-high school social studies from Missouri State University, she went to work for MSU right after graduation rather?than becoming a teacher.

During 10 years as a career counselor at MSU, Hicks developed her mentoring and coaching abilities while helping graduates research companies, interview and negotiate job offers.

Friends still ask her to coach them in their job searches, and in her current role at KPM, she coaches younger professionals in developing their marketing skills and encourages community involvement.

Hicks also models what she preaches.

She’s deeply involved in Rotary Club of Springfield, Rock’n Ribs and the Springfield-Greene County Library Board of Directors.

Her work as webmaster for Rotary Club of Springfield has revolutionized the 100-year-old organization’s communications with Web-based club management tools and information services.

An active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Hicks serves as a Sunday school teacher, a mentor to younger teachers, a member of the personnel committee and a church camp counselor.

Among her many achievements, Hicks said she is proudest of daughter Hannah, who “is smart, sincere and has a servant’s heart.”

Beyond family, a great source of pride is her work with the Springfield On Board fundraising project for Leadership Springfield.

A committee of nine co-chaired by Hicks and Linda Pettijohn sold 36 sponsorships, acquired more than $100,000 in media donations, lined up retailers, designed a game board, proofed the production, and then sold 3,500 of the Monopoly-style games, raising more than $81,000 for Leadership Springfield.

Because of these efforts, “Leadership Springfield was better able to provide training for future business and civic leaders,” Hicks says.

Name an influential woman, living or dead, you’d like to meet. Why?

Princess Diana. She married Prince Charles when I was a teenager, and I was always fascinated by her life. She used her celebrity for good; she was stunningly beautiful, a great mother, and so very graceful. She was the Jacqueline Kennedy of my generation.

What advice do you have for young women just getting started professionally?

Be passionate. Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” On a more basic level, dress for the job you want, not the job you have, and remember to write thank-you notes.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

I wanted to travel the world as a photographer for National Geographic until I realized that I suffer from motion sickness and didn’t have the patience to wait for the perfect shoot.

What celebrity have others compared you to, or do you identify with?

Recently at a national marketing conference, the keynote speaker told me I looked like Ellen DeGeneres in front of all the attendees. I think she’s very funny and a little quirky, but the similarities probably end there.

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Chaz, is a funny and compassionate man – we have been married for 20 years. We have a beautiful 14-year-old daughter, Hannah. We are active at our church, Ridgecrest Baptist, and we enjoy escaping to Colorado on vacation.

Web Exclusive: How does Vickie stay in regular contact with people around the world?

Answer: Through playing an online Scrabble game, which she does most mornings.