Daphne Hicks  has been married to her loving, supportive husband, Joseph, for 34 years. She is an active member of St. Peter Claver St. Pius V Catholic Church serving on the dance and wellness ministry and assisted in other areas when asked to do so. Her gifts are many; but, among her favorites are writing, dancing, teaching, rollerskating and serving. Some of her hobbies include inspirational reading and music. Daphne has enjoyed a very rewarding 36 year career with the City of Baltimore. In doing so, she has worked for many programs and served in various capacities, currently serves with the Baltimore City Health Department as Program Director for the Maternal and Infant Care Program. 
 
Daphne earned an Associates of Arts degree in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in management science from Coppin State College and was an honor student at both. She also earned a Master’s degree from Coppin State and the University of Baltimore in Human Services Administration (Gerontology) and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.  Daphne is proud to say she is the first college graduate in her family.  Speaking of first, she was also the first female and, thus far, the youngest President of the Panway Neighborhood Improvement Association, consisting of 600  members.  In addition, has several certifications including primary aerobics, Pilates, Restorative yoga and is a certified life wellness coach. She also holds three Zumba licenses (Basic, Toning and Gold), and is a professional dancer specializing in line dance. She is also a self-taught dance minister.

At the age of 16, Daphne helped to form a committee to advocate for nursing home residents and served in this capacity for 34 years. In this role, she sought to protect the rights and advocate for quality care of the nursing home residents, as well as provide support for family members. Additionally, in collaboration with the Calvary Baptist Church Missionary Outreach Ministry, Daphne uses her gift of dance to minister to nursing home residents several times throughout the year. She has served in this capacity for ten years.

Daphne’s interest in nursing home residents came as a result of her mother being institutionalized for 31 years following a tragic car accident when she was only 30.  Daphne will always be so grateful for the experience and joy of caring for her mother, whom she named Princess.  Although unable to do anything for herself and requiring total care, Princess’ spirit remained incredible and was a testament to God’s grace. Daphne is so grateful to be blessed with that same spirit.  As a result of the accident, Princess suffered brain trauma and was paralyzed.  Princess’ inability to care for herself and her immobility has greatly influenced Daphne’s motto, “No Excuses; Just Move."  
 
Daphne has had many experiences, both professionally and in support of the community to motivate individuals to get moving and become healthier, or simply to just serve. Click here to some examples.  Further in 2016, for all of Daphne's volunteer service, both in the community, with Baltimore City Health Department and Recreation and Parks, she was the recipient of the Maryland State Physical Fitness Excellence Award.  Even further, for her work with the St. Peter Claver and St. Pius V Catholic Church's health and wellness ministry, in 2019, she received the prestigious Mother Lange Leadership Award from the Archdiocese.  Daphne often finds herself amazed at the many gifts for which God has blessed her and is ever so grateful to have Him to share them with so many.