She helps these organizations by creating awareness, donating her time and, often, contributing portions of the proceeds from her record sales.

In the early 2000s, she was the National Ambassador for Half Price Books, helping to promote literacy throughout the United States by visiting hospitals and schools where she performed for and read to children.

3 adult contemporary hit "I Couldn't Help Myself", has been a guest on NBC's The Tonight Show twice,[13] hosted her own VH-1 special, produced an independent video, Joy, that won first place in the USA Film Festival, and co-produced the PBS documentary Take It Like A Man.

She has both appeared in and sung for national ad campaigns for Wal-Mart, Daisy Sour Cream, Southwest Airlines, Fannie Mae, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and others.

[10] She was a part of the country girl group, Domestic Science Club with Robin Lynn Macy and Patty Lege from 1992 until 1998.

[7] Hickman's songs were covered by other Texas musicians, including Willie Nelson, on the 2011 CD The Best of Times, which was a benefit for the organization then known as Theatre Action Project.