Carri Hicks holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications and political science, along with a master's in leadership management and early childhood education. She has spent several years teaching in public schools, progressing from Kindergarten to Fourth Grade Math and Science. Hicks has also contributed to the nonprofit sector, gaining experience in fundraising, advertising, and publishing. As a Gaylord-McCasland Education Fellow, she worked to enhance educational experiences for young learners. Currently, she serves as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City University.

Carri Hicks presents an intriguing ideological blend, advocating for progressive child welfare policies while simultaneously supporting controversial animal welfare practices. Her opposition to adoption policies that permit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity underscores a commitment to protecting vulnerable children, yet her acceptance of funds from a pro-cockfighting PAC reveals a surprising alignment with contentious cultural traditions. Hicks’s educational background and career in public schooling suggest a deeply rooted commitment to community and local issues, while her involvement with the Oklahoma Hall of Fame hints at a strategic effort to influence educational reforms. This juxtaposition of progressive social policies with support for traditional, albeit controversial, practices invites deeper inquiry into her strategic motivations and underlying values.