As an avatar of the Lower Ninth Ward and the New Orleans community, Dr. Doris Roche Hicks serves as CEO/Principal of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology. She is a graduate of Dillard University and the University of New Orleans. Dr. Hicks is an astounding educator and allows those around her the opportunity to catch her infectious spirit and tenacity for greatness and to let the world know that “We are doing fine in the Lower Nine!” She is married and has three daughters and four grandchildren. She has served as president of the Principal’s Association of New Orleans Public Schools; President of New Orleans Council International Reading Association; Chairperson of the Uniform Task Force; New Orleans Public School’s Superintendent Leadership Cabinet; Sunday School teacher, and Bible School Superintendent. She is the recipient of many professional awards and honors. Recently, she was recognized in 2008, as a CBS Person of the Week and featured in the April 2008 edition of the Essence Magazine; 2008 issue of People’s Magazine and has made many appearances on CNN and also NBC World news. In 2009, Dr. Hicks was appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board where she advocates for change. As a result of her tenacity, vision and dynamic leadership ability her school has been host to many noted visitors, including Former President George Bush and Laura Bush; President Barack Obama and many, many others.