2023 Bender of Twigs

As a director, Rhonda Kaye Hicks is dedicated, loyal and committed to the students and families served by the Upward Bound Wichita Prep program. Upward Bound is a federally funded grant to assist low-income, first-generation students and persons with disabilities from middle school to college. Rhonda’s areas of expertise include academics, preparation and knowledge of college needs and options, test preparation, career exploration, campus tours, mental health and wellbeing, personal development, and personal and professional advising.

Rhonda is a breast cancer survivor who is devoted to making others aware of the resources available to them. She is supportive of her community and happily speaks at engagements and workshops to share her knowledge with others.

She has been motivated by the support, inspiration, and training of her mother Hazel Hopson Thomas, a former singer. As a mother to son Kevin Jr. (Perez) and daughter Kamika (Mika), Hicks is constantly looking at strategies to inspire others. Rhonda is an excellent role model and great facilitator of support for students and their families. Students often reach out to her for advice in all areas of their life and development. She encourages them to give back to the community and family.

Rhonda is a proud former student and alum in the TRIO Talent Search and TRIO Student Support Services programs at Wichita State University. Rhonda works to improve her skills and abilities regularly. She attends workshops and classes that inspire, enlighten, and make a difference. Education is the life blood of her success, and she’s the author of “The Inspired Advocate, 8 Attributes Every Advocate Must Embrace.”

Rhonda is inspired by a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that keeps her advocating: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Education matters.