Ask5: Making a Difference in Your Corner of the World with Brianna Phillips, '17

What does it take to build a meaningful career in human services while staying connected to your purpose? In this inspiring Ask5: Making a Difference in Your Corner of the World, Brianna Phillips, 2017 SUNY Empire alum shares her journey through youth services, human trafficking advocacy, and behavioral health navigation, offering valuable insights for students, career changers, and anyone interested in making a difference in their communities. Learn about the critical skills needed to work at the intersection of mental health, housing, and outreach, as well as the experiences that can help emerging professionals stand out in this challenging and rewarding field.

Beyond discussing career pathways, Brianna reflects on navigating complex systems, advocating for vulnerable populations, and finding resilience through purpose-driven work. They also explore how their creative venture, The Collective Process, complements their professional role by fostering expression, connection, and community. Whether you're considering a career in human services or looking for inspiration on how to blend your passions with your profession, this conversation offers practical advice, honest reflections, and encouragement for creating impact while sustaining yourself along the way.

Bri Phillips is currently the Behavioral Health Systems Care Navigator at CARES of NY, Inc., working with the Albany Navigates Street Outreach Team. She connects individuals experiencing street homelessness with behavioral health resources, including peer services, harm reduction, mental health, and substance use support.

In 2018, Bri began working in street outreach at CAPTAIN Community Human Services, connecting youth experiencing homelessness with basic necessities, stable housing, and community resources. She also served as the Saratoga County Safe Harbour Case Manager, supporting youth survivors of human trafficking, and spoke at both the Safe Harbour Conference and Albany Law School on the topic.

Bri received her Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State University, where she was selected as a member of the 2016-2017 Student Leadership Institute (SLI). Her SLI social action project provided pallet gardens to shelters and transitional living programs, giving residents access to fresh produce and gardening skills.

Bri is also known for her artist brand “The Collective Process,” launched in 2021 through the Mission Accomplished Transition Services Advanced Construction + Design Institute. She continues to use art as a way to bring people together and create space for authentic self-expression.

Bri Phillips is currently the Behavioral Health Systems Care Navigator at CARES of NY, Inc., working with the Albany Navigates Street Outreach Team. She connects individuals experiencing street homelessness with behavioral health resources, including peer services, harm reduction, mental health, and substance use support.

In 2018, Bri began working in street outreach at CAPTAIN Community Human Services, connecting youth experiencing homelessness with basic necessities, stable housing, and community resources. She also served as the Saratoga County Safe Harbour Case Manager, supporting youth survivors of human trafficking, and spoke at both the Safe Harbour Conference and Albany Law School on the topic.

Bri received her Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State University, where she was selected as a member of the 2016-2017 Student Leadership Institute (SLI). Her SLI social action project provided pallet gardens to shelters and transitional living programs, giving residents access to fresh produce and gardening skills.

Bri is also known for her artist brand “The Collective Process,” launched in 2021 through the Mission Accomplished Transition Services Advanced Construction + Design Institute. She continues to use art as a way to bring people together and create space for authentic self-expression.