Senator Carri Hicks is a mother, an educator, and a lifelong Oklahoman. The daughter of a public school teacher, Hicks graduated from Oklahoma City University. She earned her bachelor's degree in mass communications and political science. Hicks furthered her education at OCU by earning a master's degree with a focus on leadership management. She went on to work for United Way of Central Oklahoma and Saint Luke's United Methodist Church. Hicks developed skills in fundraising, advertising, and publishing throughout her career in the nonprofit sector.