Summit Christian Academy seniors recently had the privilege of hearing from Mrs. Sarah Hicks, a seasoned government relations expert, accomplished leader, and proud SCA parent. With decades of experience in Texas state government, Mrs. Hicks shared her remarkable journey, offering insights into leadership, faith, and the path that led her to positions of influence—all while inspiring the next generation of leaders within her own school community.
A Journey Guided by Faith and Purpose
Mrs. Hicks began her story by reflecting on her upbringing in a large family attending a Christian school in San Antonio. She described how her educational path took her to Texas A&M University and then to the Bush School of Government and Public Service, laying the foundation for her distinguished career in public service.
Reflecting on her journey, Mrs. Hicks emphasized that she couldn’t always see where God was leading her or what He was preparing her for. However, with each step, she grew in faith and confidence, discovering her calling to serve in government roles. Her career includes serving as the Budget Director for Governor Greg Abbott from 2017 to 2024, directing the Senate Committee on Finance under two different chairmen, and acting as Senior Advisor and Policy Director to the Governor. In each of these roles, Mrs. Hicks demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating complex issues and building relationships to deliver impactful policy decisions.
Lessons in Leadership
During a Q&A session, Mrs. Hicks shared her thoughts on leadership, drawing from her extensive experience managing teams and working in high-stakes environments. She described herself as a relational leader, valuing the connections she built with her team and with others in her field. Mrs. Hicks credited much of her growth to the leaders she worked under, who modeled the importance of prioritizing relationships to achieve lasting success.
Students were particularly interested in how Mrs. Hicks balanced her demanding career with her faith. She spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced, including testifying before legislative committees and navigating high-pressure situations. Mrs. Hicks shared that her faith provided her with peace and clarity, even in the most difficult moments, reminding her that her ultimate value comes from being a child of God.
Inspiration for Future Leaders
Mrs. Hicks’ connection to Summit Christian Academy as a parent added an extra layer of inspiration for the students, as they saw firsthand how someone from their own school community could achieve such remarkable success. She encouraged them to embrace challenges, step into leadership roles with humility, and trust in God’s plan for their lives.
Her message of faith, perseverance, and relational leadership resonated deeply with the students. Mrs. Hicks reminded them that the journey of faith and service is a powerful foundation for success, and that trusting God’s guidance can lead to opportunities and growth beyond their expectations.
As she concluded her visit, Mrs. Hicks left a lasting impression on the students and staff, not only as a professional and leader but also as a fellow member of the Summit Christian Academy family. Her inspiring words will undoubtedly encourage many to pursue their own paths of leadership and service, grounded in faith and trust in God.