Class of 08 Benay Hicks: Growing Literacy from the Get-Go

Growing Literacy from the Get-Go

Benay Hicks ’08 is as well read as they come. Since graduating from Simpson, she’s earned a Master of Theological Studies from Boston University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. Today, she’s pursuing a doctorate in leadership psychology from Williams James College while working full-time to nurture and grow children’s reading skills.

Hicks is chief external relations officer for Book Harvest, a children’s literacy nonprofit based in Durham, N.C. In her multi-faceted role involving everything from marketing and fundraising, she’s most excited these days about leading the external strategy for scaling Book Harvest’s “Books from Birth” program.

“I’ve developed the program’s materials and branding — creating home library kits that new families receive before leaving the hospital,” said Hicks. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work is shaping the experience parents have in those earliest, most meaningful moments while we help close opportunity gaps by ensuring that every child has access to books starting at birth.”

Life of Service

Book Harvest is just the latest worthy cause for Hicks in a career filled with difference-making nonprofit roles, including service with Boys & Girls Clubs and Special Olympics. In 2017, she co-founded “Students to Scholars,” an effort focused on partnering with families and independent schools to erase the opportunity gap for students from historically underserved communities.

“Each role has deepened my understanding of ethical leadership and social justice, while also consistently revealing complex organizational and societal challenges,” said Hicks. “I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand how effective leadership can be key to transforming organizations into powerful catalysts for social change.”

Hicks’ desire to make an impact where it matters most was cultivated in many ways during her days at Simpson. She fondly recalls her role as service chaplain while co-leading spring and fall break trips to Mexico, South Carolina and Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

“I’m grateful to Simpson for mailing me that VHS recruitment tape all those years ago. It changed my life in so many incredible ways, and I’ll never forget the memories I made under the whispering maples.”