Celebrating Two Decades of National Able Network’s MVP!
In order for an organization to be successful, a team of dedicated and talented individuals need to combine their efforts and work in unison towards a common goal. While it is crucial to have strong leadership to organize and mobilize the team towards that goal, there is often a singular individual on any successful team who is the glue that holds the rest of the team together, the backbone that provides stability, the one who helps facilitate everyone else’s contributions to the greater whole. At National Able Network (Able), our “glue,” our “backbone,” our “facilitator” is Ms. Yolande Hicks!
Yolande is quickly approaching a special milestone: her 20-year-anniversary at Able! Yolande first came to Able in 1995 as a client of Able’s former temporary staffing program. After receiving a few temp assignments, she was eventually offered a full-time position as an Administrative Assistant at Able helping clients develop their resumes and cover letters. Yolande jokes that a lot has changed since back then: “I used to use a standard IBM typewriter that didn’t even have correction tape!”
When asked about some of her favorite moments at Able, Yolande remembers the time that she was nominated for the Claude D. Pepper Award for Distinguished Service at the Outstanding Worker Award Luncheon in 1998. Yolande went on to say that she was shocked that she was so esteemed by her peers and was surprised when she actually won. It is this dedication and humility that defines Yolande for anyone who has had the pleasure of working with her through the years.
Yolande is held in such high regard, that she is often referred to as “Chairman Hicks” by Able’s Executive Staff, including President & CEO of Able, Grace Powers. If asked how she got this nickname, Yolande coyly smiles, gives her signature giggle, and modestly replies, “I don’t why, but when something arises, people come to me . . . regardless of what it is.” Yolande routinely answers questions and resolves issues with professionalism and compassion for clients and staff members alike.
Now, as an Executive Assistant approaching her anniversary, when asked if she will still be at Able in twenty more years, Yolande answered in her normal selfless manner: “Well, I hope so because that means our programs are still good, and people are being helped.” It is in these moments that Yolande reveals why she is so important to the overall success of our organization, as she always puts the agency and our clients first.
We have a talented and dedicated team and exemplary leadership at Able, but part of what has made our organization great over the last twenty years are the countless, invaluable contributions that Yolande has made to our collective efforts! Congratulations, “Miss” Yolande, and here’s to the next twenty!
I had the privilege of getting to know Ms. Hicks during an agency wide conference at out Downtown Chicago Lake Street location. I had often seen her walking back and forth carrying out various duties during my 3 week tenure at that location, but it was not until the conference that I got a chance to meet and engage her in conversation. It was a pleasure to talk to her she has a calmness about her that comes through in every situation; nothing seems to get the better of her and I think that is the mark of a true professional.