

Meet Tanya Hicks:
The Sparkly Alien Redefining Empowerment Through Authenticity Architecture
I’ve always felt like a sparkly alien—a little different, a little out of place, but uniquely radiant in my own way. Now, I fully embrace that spark, and I invite you to step into your own authenticity with me.
About
I’m Tanya Hicks, known as The Sparkly Alien. As a late-identified autistic/ADHD woman, single mother, advocate, author, and founder of Neurodivergent Empowered , The Sparkly Alien and Sparkly Aliens Inc., my movement has been one of transformation, self-discovery, and radical authenticity.
Through my work, I’ve made it my mission to empower individuals to reclaim their authenticity, nourish their nervous systems, and build deep, meaningful connections within themselves and their communities—thriving with confidence and joy.

My Mission: Empowering Authenticity Through Authenticity Architecture
At the heart of my work is Authenticity Architecture—
a framework I’ve developed to help individuals design lives that honour their unique brains, bodies, and identities. My mission is to reach and empower 1 million people to live authentically and joyfully by:
✨ Providing Knowledge – Through The Sparkly Alien Empowerment Series, I offer practical tools and insights to help individuals navigate life with confidence.
🤝 Fostering Connection – Through The Sparkly Reset programs, I create safe, affirming spaces where individuals can nourish their nervous systems, build supportive communities, and thrive.
🚀 Advocating for Change – I actively work to shift societal perspectives on authenticity, challenging outdated narratives and championing a world where our differences are recognised as strengths, not shortcomings.
Authenticity is our birthright. My mission is to help you reclaim it. 💫

Awards & Recognition
🏆 2024 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business
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Gold Stevie Winner – Female Executive of the Year (Government or Non-Profit – 10 or Less Employees) – Sparkly Aliens Inc.
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Silver Stevie Winner – Female Executive of the Year (Government or Non-Profit – 10 or Less Employees) – Neurodivergent Empowered
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Silver Stevie Winner – Woman of the Year (Government or Non-Profit) – Sparkly Aliens Inc.
🏆 2024 AusMumpreneur Awards
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Winner – Overcoming The Odds Award
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Silver Medalist – Disabled Business Excellence Award
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Finalist – Social Enterprise Excellence Award
🏆 2024 Beam Awards
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Winner – Community Leader of the Year
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Finalist – Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
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Finalist – Woman of the Year
🏆 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards
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Finalist – Championing Health
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Finalist – Outstanding Growth
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Nominee – Building Communities
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Nominee – Promoting Sustainability
🏆 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards
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Nominee – Team Excellence in Disability Services


Awards & Recognition Continued...
🏆 2024 Fisher Community Business Awards
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Nominee – Business of the Year
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Nominee – Education Provider of the Year
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Nominee – Community Group of the Year
🏆 2024 Disability Awards
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Nominee – Social Impact
🏆 2024 Sunshine Business Women’s Awards
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Nominee – Corporate Business Woman of the Year
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Nominee – Professional Business Woman of the Year
🏆 2024 Global Recognition Award
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Winner – Significant Contributions to Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals and Their Families
🏆 2021 Sunshine Coast Community Gala Awards
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Finalist – Best Children's Disability Service
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Finalist – Community Leadership Award
🏆 2020 Autism Queensland Awards
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Special Commendation – Autism QLD Parent/Carer Award
The Journey That
Led Me Here
For much of my life, I felt the pressure to mask my true self and fit into a world that wasn’t designed for me. But becoming a mother changed everything. I realised that if I wanted to be the role model my son truly deserved—a person he could look up to with pride—I needed to fully embrace my authenticity.
It wasn’t until I started living as my true self that I truly began to thrive, and in doing so, I saw the profound ripple effect it had on my son and those around me. This transformation inspired me to create The Sparkly Alien Empowerment Series and The Sparkly Reset, blending personal insights with my expertise in counselling, mindful yoga, EMDR, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and authenticity architecture.
Every step I’ve taken—from founding Neurodivergent Empowered to becoming globally recognised—has been about creating spaces where people, including my son, can see themselves reflected, valued, and celebrated. My mission isn’t just about making space for brilliance to shine; it’s about showing my son, and everyone else who has ever felt out of place, that your uniqueness is your strength—and that being unapologetically yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.


My Vision for the Future
Imagine a world where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered to live authentically—where embracing our differences isn’t just accepted but celebrated. This is the future I’m working to create.
Through books, programs, safe spaces, and speaking engagements, I strive to inspire change at every level—helping individuals thrive, fostering inclusive communities, and reshaping societal narratives around authenticity and belonging.
Join the Movement
You don’t have to navigate this path alone. Whether you’re here to explore the Sparkly Alien Empowerment Series, join The Sparkly Reset, or connect with a like-minded community, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Together, we’ll honour your authenticity, celebrate your brilliance, and create a life where you can thrive
—unapologetically and fully.
