Dr. Hicks is the author of the Incongruent; Travel, Trauma, Transformation. Writing her first book at 10 years old, she has been interviewed on dozens of news shows and podcasts as well as published in more than two dozen magazines including Forbes, Marie Claire, Authority Magazine, Elephant Journal, Wander Magazine, See Beyond Magazine, The District, Doctor's Life Magazine, Healthcare Business Today and more. She has also written nearly $50M in successful grants. You can see her full portfolio https://melaniesuehicks.pressfolios.com/ HERE.

As an experienced motivational speaker and master facilitator, she uses her custom 3E Method of Change© along with her unique style of group facilitation to offer training to help organizations redefine their why and amplify their impact.

A thought leader in nonprofit, education and workforce, she is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional with more than two decades of experience. She has worked with more than 100 clients over the course of her career.

When not working, Dr. Hicks is a passionate global philanthropist who has visited more than forty-three countries and done service work in more than a dozen of them. Her primary interest in promoting financial literacy and community funding strategies in women's groups around the world.

Dr. Hicks holds a doctorate from the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University, a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Miami and bachelors in Organizational Communications from the University of Central Florida. Additionally, she is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional and holds a Business Analytics certificate from Harvard University Extension School and two Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificates and a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt from The University of South Florida.

She formerly served as the Chief Programs Officer for Warrior Scholar Project, Vice President, Education Solutions Group at MGT Consulting, Interim CEO for the Children's Athletic Network, Assistant Provost at the University of Tampa, Director of Research for the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, Aide to Mayor of Tallahassee, and Special Projects Coordinator with the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.

Her awards include the Rod Rose Paper of the year award for the Journal of Research Administration, the Joyce Keller Volunteer of the Year Award, the Florence Bayuk Scholarship for academic excellence; the University of Miami Outstanding Scholastic and Public Service Achievement Award.