Company: Neurodivergent Empowered, Caloundra, Queensland
Company Description: Neurodivergent Empowered, led by Tanya Hicks, is a trailblazer in providing neurodivergent affirming support. We offer innovative programs tailored to neurodivergent individuals, including pro bono services for mothers of disabled children. Our commitment to inclusivity and practical support is reflected in significant awards and recognition.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –10 or Less Employees
 Nomination Title: Tanya Hicks - CEO of Sparkly Aliens Inc
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
Nominee's Achievements:
Since July 1, 2022, Tanya Hicks has made groundbreaking strides as the CEO of Sparkly Aliens Inc., a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for and supporting neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who feel marginalized by society.
1. Founding Sparkly Aliens Inc.:
In a bold move, Tanya established Sparkly Aliens Inc. to be a sister organisation to Neurodivergent Empowered, focusing on amplifying the voices of neurodivergent individuals. Her vision was to create a space where neurodivergent people could celebrate their identities, challenge societal norms, and push for systemic change. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown rapidly, becoming a beacon of advocacy and support for neurodivergent communities.
2. Expanding Advocacy and Inclusion Initiatives:
Tanya has launched several high-impact initiatives through Sparkly Aliens Inc., including national campaigns that promote neurodivergent rights and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by this community. These campaigns have reached thousands, shifting public perception and driving policy discussions at local and national levels. Tanya's work has been instrumental in pushing for greater accessibility and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
3. Empowering Neurodivergent Women and Families:
Recognising the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent women and mothers, Tanya spearheaded initiatives that provide crucial support, resources, and community connections. Sparkly Aliens Inc. has offered over $190,000 in pro bono services to women and families without funding, ensuring they have access to the support they need. This initiative has empowered countless women to navigate their personal and professional lives with greater confidence and resilience.
4. Building a Legacy of Inclusion and Advocacy:
Tanya’s efforts have led to the creation of sustainable programs that continue to make a difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Through Sparkly Aliens Inc., she has developed educational resources, support networks, and advocacy platforms that not only address immediate needs but also build a foundation for long-term change. Her work is setting new standards for how non-profits can effectively advocate for marginalized communities.
5. Recognition and Impact:
Tanya’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Her innovative approaches and tireless advocacy have earned her recognition within the non-profit sector and beyond. The impact of her work extends across communities, influencing policy, and inspiring others to join the movement for neurodivergent rights and inclusion.
Conclusion: Tanya Hicks’s achievements as the CEO of Sparkly Aliens Inc. since July 1, 2022, have been nothing short of transformative. Her visionary leadership and commitment to neurodivergent advocacy have created lasting change, empowering countless individuals and reshaping societal attitudes. Tanya’s work exemplifies the essence of a trailblazer in the non-profit sector, making her a highly deserving candidate for the Woman of the Year - Government or Non-Profit award.
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 191 words used.
Tanya Hicks is a trailblazing leader and advocate for neurodivergent individuals, with a career dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. As the CEO and founder of Sparkly Aliens Inc., a not-for-profit organisation, Tanya has channeled her passion for social justice into creating a platform that amplifies the voices of neurodivergent communities.
Tanya’s journey began with her own experiences as a late-identified autistic woman, which fueled her commitment to supporting others who feel marginalized by society. Before founding Sparkly Aliens Inc., she successfully led Neurodivergent Empowered, a pioneering organisation that exclusively employs neurodivergent staff, setting a new standard for inclusive business practices.
Throughout her career, Tanya has consistently pushed boundaries, launching initiatives that challenge societal norms and advocate for systemic change. Her work has earned her numerous awards and recognition, including the AusMumpreneur Disabled Business Excellence Award and the ND/Autistic Provider of the Year.
Tanya’s leadership at Sparkly Aliens Inc. is marked by her innovative approach to advocacy, her ability to build impactful programs, and her unwavering dedication to empowering neurodivergent individuals. Her past performance reflects a deep commitment to making lasting, positive change in the lives of those she serves.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 236 words used.
Since July 1, 2022, Tanya Hicks has made significant strides as CEO of Sparkly Aliens Inc., profoundly impacting neurodivergent individuals and their communities.
1. Founding Sparkly Aliens Inc.:
Tanya established Sparkly Aliens Inc. to create a dedicated platform for advocating neurodivergent rights and fostering a sense of belonging for those often marginalized. The organisation quickly became a leader, driving initiatives that celebrate neurodiversity and challenge societal misconceptions.
2. National Advocacy Campaigns:
Tanya spearheaded national campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. These efforts reached thousands, influencing public perception and sparking essential conversations about inclusion and accessibility in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
3. Supporting Neurodivergent Women and Families:
Understanding the unique struggles of neurodivergent women and mothers, Tanya launched initiatives providing over $190,000 in pro bono services to those without funding. These services empowered women and families by offering critical resources, support, and community connections, helping them navigate challenges with greater confidence.
4. Developing Sustainable Programs:
Under Tanya’s leadership, Sparkly Aliens Inc. created sustainable educational resources, support networks, and advocacy platforms that continue to make a lasting difference. These programs are designed not only to address immediate needs but also to foster long-term change in the lives of neurodivergent individuals.
Tanya’s achievements since July 2022 highlight her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to neurodivergent advocacy, making her an outstanding candidate for the Woman of the Year - Government or Non-Profit award.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 245 words used.
The attached supporting materials provide strong evidence for Tanya Hicks’s remarkable achievements as CEO of Sparkly Aliens Inc. since July 2022.
-
Neurodivergent Empowered Website: The website showcases the mission and initiatives of both Neurodivergent Empowered and Sparkly Aliens Inc. It highlights Tanya’s commitment to creating inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces, and details the pro bono services provided to neurodivergent women and families. This site serves as a comprehensive overview of Tanya’s leadership and the impact of her work.
-
ADHD Mums Podcast Guest Episode Link: In this podcast, Tanya shares her journey as a late-identified autistic woman and discusses her leadership in building neurodivergent-friendly organisations. This episode provides insight into Tanya’s motivations and the innovative approaches she has implemented, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer in the non-profit sector.
-
2024 AusMumpreneurs Winners List: Tanya’s recognition as a winner in the AusMumpreneurs 2024 awards, particularly for Disabled Business Excellence, underscores her exceptional contributions to advancing neurodivergent rights and inclusion. This award highlights her leadership and the broader recognition of her impact within the community.
-
3 x Client References: These references offer firsthand accounts of the positive changes Tanya’s initiatives have brought to the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their families. The testimonials validate the effectiveness of the services and support provided by Sparkly Aliens Inc., emphasizing the real-world impact of Tanya’s work.
These attachments collectively corroborate Tanya’s achievements, showcasing her dedication to neurodivergent advocacy, and providing concrete evidence of the significant, lasting impact she has made in the community.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 229 words used.
Tanya Hicks’s achievements are unique and significant because they represent a pioneering approach to neurodivergent advocacy and support within the non-profit sector. While many organisations focus on general disability services, Tanya has carved out a niche that specifically addresses the needs of neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who often feel overlooked or marginalized.
Compared to other players in the industry, Tanya’s work with Sparkly Aliens Inc. is distinguished by its deep commitment to creating a genuinely inclusive environment. Many organisations may offer services to neurodivergent individuals, but Tanya’s approach is holistic and empowerment-focused, offering not just support but also advocacy, community building, and leadership opportunities for neurodivergent people. Her focus on neurodivergent women and mothers, providing over $190,000 in pro bono services, is particularly noteworthy as it addresses a critical gap in support services that many other organisations overlook.
In comparison to her past performance, Tanya’s achievements since July 2022 have expanded her impact significantly. Founding Sparkly Aliens Inc. and launching national advocacy campaigns have amplified her voice and influence, reaching wider audiences and effecting change on a larger scale. These initiatives have not only shifted public perception but have also driven policy discussions, setting new standards for inclusion and accessibility.
Tanya’s work is setting a precedent in the non-profit sector, proving that with visionary leadership, it’s possible to create meaningful, lasting change for neurodivergent individuals and their communities.
| Attachments/Videos/Links: |
|---|
|
