Digital skills advocate Richard Hicks works to change lives through digital literacy

F or over a decade, Richard Hicks, '02, provided digital equity to local students in the Atlanta region. Hicks was the executive director of the Atlanta region for PowerMyLearning, but he wanted to concentrate more on the digital literacy of Georgia's minorities and low-income families. In June 2020, he launched the nonprofit Inspiredu to continue serving communities in Georgia.

Richard Hicks
At Inspiredu, Hicks, president and CEO of the nonprofit, tackles the digital divide in the community by offering digital literacy courses and working with community-based organizations to provide refurbished home computers for families in marginalized communities. This initiative ensures that individuals are better prepared for their future and the workplace, addressing a crucial need for technological access and digital literacy that was only heightened by the pandemic.

"During the pandemic, the community really needed us," he said. "We had to continue to do this work because a lot of our market focused on the digital divide. We were acknowledged as an essential service by the City of Atlanta, but we continue to work toward digital equity today, because the need has never lessened."

Inspiredu was one of 12 nonprofit organizations from across the U.S. nominated for the Kelly Clarkston Show's Good Neighbor of the Year Award. The winner will be chosen in late 2024.

This year, Hicks' good works in bridging the gaps in digital literacy were also recognized with a Proclamation by the Fulton County Commissioners, Resolution by the Georgia House of Representatives and a nomination by WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News Anchor Lori Wilson to appear on the Kelly Clarkston Show. The segment, featuring Hicks and his team, aired April 12, 2024.

Inspiredu serves around 2,500 families per year, but Hicks is planning for growth.

Today, the building that houses Inspiredu is undergoing renovations to include classrooms, collaboration and conference rooms, as well as an imaging center for more storage and workshops. The Inspiredu Volunteer & Training Center renovation is expected to be completed in the fall. Hicks looks forward to serving more families.

"I'm ready to pay it forward by helping others who are looking to get into this space to find out what their next move in life will be," he said.

Hicks attends numerous meetings and handles many of the operations. He relies on his education, a BBA in computer-based information systems he received from Georgia College & State University to forge ahead his quest toward empowering Georgia's underserved families through digital literacy. Richard Hicks speaks during a Fulton County Library Workshop.

As a Milledgeville native, Hicks cherishes his Georgia College roots. Several of his family members also graduated from the university, including his late father, Samuel Hicks, '73, who received a B.S. in biology. Hicks has fond memories of reminiscing with his father about shared experiences and the strong bond their alma mater created within the family.

"GCSU has always been known to us as a place you could go to get a good, solid education without having to go very far," he said. "I really enjoyed my time there. I have some great memories, and I'm looking forward to walking back on campus again."

Dr. Harry Glover was his advisor and favorite professor. He knew how to connect with students. Hicks recognizes the importance of making connections at Inspiredu.

"He made learning fun," Hicks said. "Coding isn't very exciting, but Dr. Glover was very engaged in the way he taught computer-based information system classes. That's what I needed while I was studying for a career in IT." Right: Richard Hicks engages with a family during a Brumby Elementary Family Workshop.

Hicks applies the leadership skills he learned while working on group projects at Georgia College. Several of the tasks Hicks does at Inspiredu are group projects with his team, committees and boards.

"In my role, I bring a lot of people to the table to educate them on Inspiredu's mission," he said. "I want to make sure Inspiredu has the right resources to move forward. Being able to do that is highly important. Having that foundation from Georgia College, and then moving this experience to the nonprofit world, was just seamless."

Hicks' workday begins by prepping data reports for the nonprofit's stakeholders. Then he discusses with team members the programs the organization is going to implement.

He also regularly attends events with Inspiredu's nonprofit partners, companies and individuals looking to engage with Inspiredu.

"It's a huge honor to serve the community," Hicks said. "The best part of my job is interacting with individuals from different walks of life and feeling humbled."

Some of his clients have difficult lives. Hicks and his team are mindful of the challenges they face.

"Sometimes you can't change the direction of a person's life-they must do it themselves," he said. "But we aspire to be that spark that leads them to work toward bettering their life. You can't rescue them. You don't have that kind of power. But you can ignite hope and encouragement in building their competence by giving them digital training and eliminating the barriers to the online world and all the resources available there."

Although Hicks has plenty of client success stories, one stands out to him.

"A homeless woman came to take our digital literacy class, walking in the rain to get here," he said. "She learned digital skills and worked with her caseworker. Now, she's taking coding classes, has a roof over her head and is looking to start a job soon. Sometimes that little spark is what it takes for people to know that there are people who care on this planet."

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