30 Dec 2023 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2024: Brenda Hatton-Ficklin, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

Busy people get things done, and that’s true for Brenda Hatton-Ficklin of Little Rock, a Five-Oh-Ones to Watch nominee.

In her day job, Hatton-Ficklin is always running as the sales director for the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, but her moonlight volunteering is where one might grow winded trying to keep up. She serves on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana Board of Directors and Development Committee, is the executive director for the Timmons Arts Foundation, is on the board for Westwind School for Performing Arts and is a member of the Black Hall of Fame Production Team. Additionally, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and co-chair for the 2024 Founders Day event. She is also a member of Second Baptist Church, Little Rock, and the mother of three grown children, two sons and a niece.

Hatton-Ficklin credited her parents for giving her a solid foundation for a successful life. “My parents always taught us to do the right thing. I am the baby of 10 siblings, all of whom are educated and hard workers,” she said. “[They] gave us two choices in life: attend college or go into the military.” She chose college, earning a master’s degree in management and leadership from Webster University, Little Rock, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas, Conway.

Five keys to her success: purpose and passion, growth mindset, supportive network, balance and self-care, and a faith and belief system.

Hatton-Ficklin believes a clear sense of purpose and being passionate about what one does provides strong motivation to succeed both personally and professionally. She believes it helps one focus, overcome challenges and find fulfillment. She said it’s important to believe abilities and intelligence grow through dedication and hard work, leading to a life of continuous learning and improvement.

She said surrounding oneself with family, friends, mentors and colleagues can provide encouragement, guidance and inspiration. “They can offer different perspectives, share experiences and provide the necessary support to help you achieve your goals.”

She believes in balance among work, family and personal well-being. “Taking care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally ensures that you have the energy and resilience to navigate the challenges of both your career and personal life.”

Of faith, she said, “spirituality can serve as a source of inspiration, strength and guidance. It can provide a sense of purpose, a moral compass and a belief in something greater than oneself.”