Women's History Month is celebrated annually by presidential proclamation in March to honor and recognize women's contributions, achievements, and struggles throughout history. GlobalMindED is proud to highlight the voices and work of influential women throughout this month.
Meet Dewanda Ricks. With 20+ years of experience in HR and Operations, DeWanda Ricks is a results-focused leader who delivers on coaching and development, and solutions that help companies harness the full power of one of their most valuable assets – their people. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive culture that promotes growth by empowering employees to bring their most powerful selves to work.
DeWanda Ricks is known to be a trailblazer with a heart of gold. She shows her passion and love for the youth whenever possible, knowing that there is a great need for positive influences in the community. DeWanda’ s mission is to help develop the hearts and minds of school-aged students by simply volunteering her time and being an advocate for inspiring their futures.
As an Area Manager with.AT&T, she has been recognized for her service and has eceived the President Volunteer Service Award every year since 2011. She won the Community Extraordinary Award in 2012, the Community Transformer Award in 2017, the Think Tank Award in 2018, and in 2020, DeWanda won the Women of Color STEM Award. DeWanda has also been a mentor for GlobalMindED.
DeWanda Ricks is a proud alum of Wayne State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting, as well as the University of Phoenix, where she earned her master’s degree in Human Resource.
Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Dewanda Ricks's Commitment to Student Success
What is your personal/professional story?
With over two decades of experience in HR and Operations, I am a goal-oriented leader who excels in coaching and development, providing solutions that enable companies to fully leverage their most precious assets - their employees. I am committed to fostering an inclusive culture that encourages growth and empowers employees to bring their best selves to work. Known for my pioneering spirit and warm-hearted nature, I frequently exhibit my passion and love for young people. Acknowledging the crucial need for positive role models in the community, my personal mission is to contribute to the development of school-aged students by generously volunteering my time and advocating for their promising futures. As a multi-award-winning leader, I have been honored with prestigious recognitions such as the President Volunteer Service Award every year since 2011. I received the Community Extraordinary Award in 2012, was given the Community Transformer Award in 2017, and the Think Tank Award in 2018. In 2020, I was bestowed with the Women of Color STEM Award. I am a proud graduate of Wayne State University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in accounting. I also hold a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Phoenix.
In my journey of servant leadership, my ultimate mission is to empower students to fulfill their heart’s desires. Guided by a passion for unlocking their full potential, I strive to provide support and guidance, fostering an environment where each student can flourish and achieve their dreams. My mission is to catalyze the transformation of individuals and organizations from being effective to achieving greatness.
Empowered and trained to conduct transformative work across multiple platforms, I operate on the conviction that every individual harbors the potential to manifest a slice of their ultimate capability. As a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, I am committed to assisting others to uncover those seeds of greatness embedded within them, thus positioning them to inspire others to realize their purpose. Having successfully initiated and implemented a personal transformation in my attitude and environment, I then disseminated this change to everyone in my circle. I provide mentorship to colleagues, students, and family members. I've realized that this goes beyond being merely a career or a job. It is my preordained path to success and the fulfillment of purpose.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Reflecting on the key moments in my life that led me to this point, to my calling, were pivotal experiences that shaped my journey. From overcoming challenges that tested my resilience to embracing opportunities that fueled my growth, each chapter has contributed to the person I am today. Sharing my triumphs in the hopes that the students would learn from mistakes and start ahead and not from behind the line.
Shaped by mentors with pastoral and educational leadership backgrounds, it's natural that I possess the spirit of a servant leader. My inherent capacity to enlighten, encourage, and comfort extends beyond the boundaries of the church, resonating in every interaction I have with people. I am recognized as a pioneer with a golden heart, demonstrating my passion and affection for the youth whenever I get the opportunity.
Aware of the pressing need for positive role models in the community, my mission is to nurture the hearts and minds of school-aged students by dedicating my time and advocating for their inspiring futures. Every Sunday, I devote myself to the youth program at The Potter's House North Dallas in my local church in Frisco, TX. I work with the young ones in the Firehouse Youth Department. Known as "Ms. Dee", I am considered a true servant leader by most of the youth and everyone who knows me. When it comes to fostering relationships and supporting young adults, I am present to assist them in navigating life's challenges, preparing for the future, building self-esteem, and instilling continuous love and hope.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion to serve comes from a desire to make a positive impact on our youth. Recognizing the abundance of resources available to them, my passion lies in bridging the awareness gap. Witnessing the flourishing of our youth, enabling them to reach their full potential, is the core of my commitment. My commitment to my community paves the way for reshaped futures, impacting one student, one individual at a time.
My aspiration is to imprint an enduring change on the world. We are dealing with challenges that are global in nature, including environmental, economic, and societal aspects, all having numerous influences. This necessitates the need for agents of positive transformation to stimulate, rally, empower, and engage communities.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
I also use my speaking engagements to share valuable resources, so GlobalMindeded can help me reach my goals by continuing to offer resources, skills, and connections for our youth. The principle of mentoring and coaching others, paired with a willingness to share knowledge and resources, aligns with my personal journey. I am confident that collectively, we have the power to create a profound difference by identifying and fostering talent, enlightening them about their capabilities, and linking them with chances to prosper.
