WOMEN TO WATCH

Candice Hickman

Chief Communications Officer
Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana

Ronald McDonald House provides essential services for families of hospitalized children. I’m honored to meet these families and share their stories daily. It’s truly a mission that relieves so much stress during some of their hardest times. I came to this mission through my previous work with the Central Arkansas McDonald’s Co-op and have enjoyed growing with this organization over the past five years through territory expansions and opening new programs.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Communications professionals are often expected to be a jack of all trades, but it pays to know what you’re good at and what’s worth delegating.

Biggest challenges in my career

Making the switch from agency life to being a communications department of one was not something I expected to be so challenging.

How I knew this was my passion

Getting to meet the people your work is directly affecting daily is rewarding and a great reason to show up every day.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

I value my alone time and try to protect my quality time with friends and family. I know I’m a better person when I truly have time away.

Best advice I ever received

As the oldest daughter and millennial, I’ve always been a resourceful person, but I’ve always appreciated a past boss for putting that word to it and valuing that quality.

What I learned from my first job

Working in a newsroom is invaluable experience. I learned to calmly make quick decisions, be able to pivot and the value of working together to create a great final product.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

I step away and often discuss it with someone else.

Best career moment so far

Having a fantastic grand opening for Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier and seeing everyone’s hard work realized.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Texarkana, Arkansas

I can’t start my day until

Coffee and catching up on the morning news

Hobbies

Baking or very amateur photography

Binge watch

“The Summer I Turned Pretty”

Last good read

“The Au Pair” by Emma Rous

Favorite meal in town

Caesar salad with blackened shrimp from Copper Grill or chopped salmon salad at Samantha’s

Best recent local discovery

Not so recent, but the patio at Crush Wine Bar

Latest splurge

A trip to Spain

Most-used app

Calendar and Notes, followed by Instagram

Dream vacation

A cabin near a body of water with a beautiful view

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