For Mackenzie Hickson, leadership is not about titles or accolades but about action, passion, and impact. It is about centering the voices and experiences of the unheard. A junior health science major with a minor in comparative women’s studies from Austin, Texas, the Ethel Waddel Githii Honors Program Student Association President (HPSA) has dedicated her time to Spelman in monumental ways, taking charge of curating a rich intellectual community for honors students at Spelman and beyond.
Through public service, social justice, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue amongst her peers and the youth, Hickson’s unwavering commitment to excellence has earned her a recognition as an awardee for The Spotlight Award. This year’s theme, titled ‘25 for 25’, awarded 25 Spelmanites who are making “A choice to change the world” through leadership, innovation, and impact. Nominated anonymously by her peers, her surprised reaction to the nomination was a testament to her appreciation of being recognized by those who notice and celebrate her work and contributions in and outside the Spelman gates.
Hickson’s journey into service began her sophomore year when she became Community Service Chair for HPSA. Previously a first-year liaison, as an honors student taking on this new leadership role, this position was more than just a title–it was a gateway to evolving her passion for community outreach and activism. Planning several community service events through the Honors Program combined Hickson’s intellectual sovereignty with a dedication to giving back to those in need.
Coming from a low-income background, Hickson saw first-hand how health disparities and issues such as food insecurity and poverty disproportionately impacted her community and other Black communities across the country. Determined to make a difference, she partnered with organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Urban Recipe, working to educate others about food insecurity and wage inequality.
While giving back to those in need brings great satisfaction, Hickson also finds that the shared experiences of those she serves enhance their value. However, her dedication to service did not stop there.
Continuing to evolve into a changemaker in the community, Hickson’s work expanded into advocating for incarcerated individuals and those facing immigration detention as a current volunteer with El Refugio. Deepening her understanding of the realities of mass incarceration, which she describes as a highly impactful experience, Hickson felt that conversations surrounding hot-button issues such as crime and police violence are often brought up in classes at Spelman but never fully experienced.
Hickson’s overarching goal is to bring these critical social justice conversations to Spelman through a program that ensures students engage with the pressing issues of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation through direct interaction.
“It’s really important to experience other people’s realities, to take a walk in their shoes, and to really understand people’s humanity,” Hickson said. This philosophy drives her efforts to develop spaces for learning, dialogue, and advocacy surrounding mass incarceration and immigration, highlighting her ongoing passion for the liberation of minority groups.
As an emerging leader, Hickson emphasizes the importance of authenticity. She believes that the power of listening provides a depth of understanding of the lived experiences of others. “Be true to yourself and listen first,” Hickson said.
Spelman, she notes, fosters a culture of civic engagement. Still, she encourages students to pursue meaningful passions rather than merely filling up a résumé.
Leading from a perspective of facilitating with the platform she has, Hickson’s legacy is one of centering marginalized voices. Whether through the Honors Program or her community initiatives, she wants to be remembered as someone who worked to restore the humanity and stories of the silenced. She also hopes there will be continuity in her work, placed in the hands of those determined to amplify the work.
“I want my work to be carried on by people who genuinely care about it,” Hickson said.
Looking ahead, Hickson plans to pursue a career in public and community health, focusing on correctional and detention facility reform. She aims to work within government and policy spaces to implement humane, rehabilitative solutions to crime and immigration.
Her most significant achievement thus far has been revamping the Bell Hooks Junior Honors Program, connecting high school girls with Spelman students in critical intellectual discussion. Through this achievement, Hickson has fostered a space for young women to engage in meaningful dialogue about society, culture, and justice.
Her unwavering passion is driven by her family, support system, and a deep desire to give back to those who have poured into her.
As she prepares for her final year at Spelman, Hickson focuses on passing the torch to those who share a burning passion for advocacy and service. She hopes that her efforts will continue to grow beyond her time at Spelman, inspiring the next generation of leaders to endgame deeply with the social justice issues of their time.
Mackenzie Hickson is more than a student leader—she is a change-maker, a mentor, and a determined advocate for those who need it most. Through her work, she embodies the true spirit of a Spelmanite: committed, courageous, and compassionate.
