Meet Dennis Hicks: Director of Leadership
Dennis Hicks, Union Capital's Director of Leadership, brings over two decades of experience in higher education to his role, where he is shaping the future of leadership development for Union Capital's members.
Since joining the organization in 2021, Dennis has worked tirelessly to build and oversee impactful programs such as UC Learns, UC Facilitates, and the Summer of S.O.L. Leadership Workshops. His passion for empowering others and fostering meaningful connections shines through in every aspect of his work. In this interview, Dennis shares his journey, and insights into his role, highlighting the programs he's developing to promote leadership at Union Capital.
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up, and what’s your story?
I grew up in Michigan, just outside of Detroit, and later attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. At Marshall, I earned my bachelor’s degree in art education and briefly taught high school art before pursuing a master’s in counseling. This led me to a fulfilling 20-year career as a university administrator. In November 2021, I transitioned to Union Capital, becoming the first Director of Leadership. In this role, I focus on developing leadership programs for our members in both Boston and Springfield.
Q: You've been with Union Capital for three years now. How does it feel?
It’s been a rewarding experience. I’ve developed a strong understanding of our members, and the leadership programs are now in a stable and effective place.
When I first joined, I was focused on identifying what worked and what didn’t, but now we’ve refined and strengthened our approach. I’m always generating new ideas to enhance and expand our initiatives, and it’s exciting to witness the growth and progress we’ve made.
Q: Can you share more about your role and responsibilities?
As the Director of Leadership, I’m responsible for overseeing the curriculum for our leadership programs, which include UC Learns, UC Facilitates, and Summer of S.O.L. These programs run 10 weeks each, and I handle everything from content development to the application process for participants. I also oversee the network coordinators, who are paid members selected by partner organizations. I ensure they get the hours they need, connect them with opportunities, and help onboard new coordinators. Additionally, I organize retreats, workshops, and the Leadership Brunch, a networking event where our leaders can meet, share their work, and connect with one another.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your role?
What I enjoy most about my role is watching our members grow and develop as leaders. One of the most rewarding aspects is guiding them in crafting and sharing their public narratives—stories about their leadership journeys. It's truly inspiring to see the "lightbulb moments" when members begin to understand and articulate their passions and the issues they care about. I also really enjoy the Leadership Brunch, where I can see meaningful connections being made.
“There’s a sense of fulfillment when I observe members exchanging contact information and ideas, knowing that I’ve played a part in fostering those relationships.”
Q: Can you tell me more about the UC Learns and UC Facilitates classes that you teach?
Sure! In UC Learns, I guide participants in crafting their own public narratives, encouraging them to reflect on their leadership journey and the causes they’re passionate about. It’s always fascinating to see the different ways individuals connect with leadership, and it’s especially impactful when members share personal stories about their drive to create change. Another program I oversee, UC Facilitates, teaches members how to design their own workshop curricula. After completing the program, they have the opportunity to lead workshops on important topics like rent control, saving for retirement, or healthy eating. Additionally, they’re compensated for their efforts, which adds a valuable opportunity for them to earn while making a positive impact.
Q: What are some of your favorite events at Union Capital?
I really enjoy our leadership brunch and the network coordinator retreats. For the winter retreat, we added some fun activities like a chili cook-off, which was a blast. It’s a great way to build community while also learning and discussing important topics like outreach and member engagement. The Halloween event and the resource fair are also highlights, as they bring together a lot of people and give members a chance to gather resources and network.
I truly enjoy our Leadership Brunch and Network Coordinator retreats. For the winter retreat, we introduced some fun activities, such as a chili cook-off, which turned out to be a great success. These events provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen our community while also engaging in meaningful discussions on topics like outreach and member engagement. The Halloween event and Resource Fair are also highlights as they bring together a diverse group of people and give members a chance to connect with valuable resources and network with others.
Q: What’s one message you’d like to share with the community?
I want to remind everyone that Union Capital has been around for 10 years now, and we’re still growing. The resources and opportunities we provide are incredible, and we’re connected to so many organizations and people in the community. It’s important for members to take full advantage of these opportunities and to share what they’re working on. That’s how we all grow together—through collaboration and networking. The more we all share and support each other, the stronger we become as a community.
As Union Capital continues to grow, Dennis Hicks' dedication to leadership development plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to make meaningful change in their communities. His approach blends mentorship, practical learning, and a deep commitment to social change, ensuring that Union Capital remains a vital resource for both its members and the larger Boston and Springfield communities.
Personally, Dennis has been an incredible mentor to me as an intern at Union Capital. His consistent support, thoughtful feedback, and encouragement have been invaluable to my growth. He is always there to guide me, pushing me to develop professionally and personally. We are truly fortunate to have him at Union Capital, as his leadership and dedication make our organization stronger and more impactful.