WISH announces Crystal Hicks as its new President

WISH announces Crystal Hicks as its new President

Women In Social Housing (WISH) has announced the appointment of Crystal Hicks as its new President.

Crystal has been a dedicated member of WISH since 2017, playing a pivotal role in the organisation’s growth and impact across the social housing sector. She will also step into the role of Chair of WISH later this month.

Her journey with WISH began as one of the founding members of the WISH North East board, later serving as North East Chair.

Her contributions to the sector were nationally recognised when she received a Northern Power Women award for the ‘What Women Want’ campaign.

This initiative provided insights into how social housing employers could better support women in the workplace following the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2024, Crystal became Vice President of WISH and launched the ‘If I Had One WISH’ podcast, a platform amplifying women’s voices, encouraging innovation, and inspiring bold action across the sector.

She is widely known in the homelessness and housing sectors, serving on the Church of England’s Housing Association board and as Director at Crisis.

Crystal expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating:

“It is an absolute honour to become President and Chair of Women in Social Housing. For over seven years I've been inspired and in awe of the amazing team of colleagues and volunteers who make WISH what it is.

“To be at the helm of WISH at such a pivotal time in our history is such an opportunity that I intend to fully grasp.”

Throughout her presidency, Crystal will launch the 'See Her' campaign, focusing on the positive impact social housing providers can achieve by understanding tenants’ experience through a gendered lens.

Under her leadership, WISH will also continue to grow its podcast.

Recruitment for a new Vice President will start in late autumn, with the appointment set for March 2026.

WISH looks forward to an exciting future under Crystal’s leadership, furthering its mission to support and empower women across the social housing sector.

For more information, please contact Els O’Keeffe on 07931744828 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.wishnetwork.org