Currently serving as a Peer Support Specialist at Alaska Behavioral Health, Capricia’s journey has never been about titles or accolades. It has always been about people – helping them heal, grow, and rise above their challenges. As the founder of Lady of Influence Community Resources Services LLC, Capricia is laying the foundation for a transformative community platform that uplifts individuals by meeting them where they are, walking beside them with empathy, and guiding them toward a more empowered future.

Capricia’s journey isn’t defined by grand pronouncements, but by countless small acts of seeing, hearing, and believing in people others might overlook. Her work at Alaska Behavioral Health and through her developing venture, Lady of Influence Community Resources Services LLC, isn’t just a job; it’s a calling rooted in profound understanding and a simple, powerful mantra: “Not like the rest.”

A Journey Built on Purpose

Capricia’s story is one shaped not only by professional experience but also by deep personal insight. Over the years, she has held various roles – from a General Manager at Dairy Queen to a Caseworker, Tax Specialist, Event Coordinator, and Employment Coach. While the roles have varied, the constant thread throughout her career has been her unwavering commitment to community and service.

“I’ve always believed in tailoring support to the individual” Capricia says. “No two people are the same, so their paths forward shouldn’t be either.”

This belief is evident in her approach at Yunek Touch, where she served for over five years helping individuals with barriers reconnect to opportunity. Whether it was helping someone secure employment or connect with critical social services, Capricia ensured each person received personalized, respectful support.

The Meaning of Success in 2025

Ask Capricia what success looks like in 2025, and her answer instantly shifts the focus away from herself.

“Success is not about me” she shares softly. “It’s about seeing someone I’ve worked with stand taller, speak with more confidence, and believe they can create a better future for themselves. That’s what fills my heart.”

For Capricia, success is rooted in transformation – both personal and collective. As the founder of Lady of Influence Community Resources Services LLC, her vision is to build a space that fosters real change. The name itself reflects her desire to quietly influence lives through compassion, support, and meaningful connections.

Her personal motto, “Not like the rest” is not a declaration of superiority, but a reminder to always remain authentic. “It’s about being true to yourself” she explains. “Even when the world tells you to blend in, you have to listen to that inner voice that tells you, you were meant for more.”

Her vision for Lady of Influence, still carefully taking shape, is deeply intertwined with this belief: a future hub where diverse support services empower Alaskans to transform their own lives. Her success is intrinsically linked to theirs.

From Lived Experience to Lifeline: The Foundation of Trust

What makes Capricia’s approach so impactful is the authenticity she brings. Capricia’s strength as a leader comes not just from her professional training, but from lived experiences. She knows what it’s like to face challenges and rise from them. This gives her a unique ability to connect with the people she serves.

As a Peer Support Specialist at Alaska Behavioral Health, Capricia works one – on – one with individuals navigating addiction recovery, mental health challenges, and complex life transitions. Her CRM (Customer Relationship Management) skills, coupled with her natural empathy, allow her to build trust quickly and serve as a strong advocate for those in need.

“People don’t just need help” she says. “They need someone who sees them – who listens, understands, and truly cares.”

Whether it’s helping someone get back on their feet after a setback, advocating for access to mental health services, or simply being a steady presence during tough times, Capricia is a calming force in an often-chaotic world. 

Innovation with a Personal Touch

Even though Lady of Influence is still in development, Capricia is already thinking ahead. She envisions a vibrant community resource hub that offers tailored services – from life coaching and job readiness to emotional support and wellness programs.

Innovation, for her, doesn’t mean high – tech gadgets or flashy programs. It means thinking differently. It means building systems that prioritize people, especially those who often fall through the cracks.

“I want to create something that feels human” she says. “Something that evolves with the community, not just for it.”

Still, she acknowledges the potential of technology in improving service delivery. From virtual counseling sessions to online workshops and resource databases, Capricia is exploring how digital tools can help expand the reach of her work while maintaining a warm, personal touch.

Resilience as a Way of Life

Capricia’s story is one of resilience – not the loud, cinematic kind, but a quiet, daily resilience built through reflection, faith, and hard work.

“I’ve learned to turn challenges into stepping-stones” she says. “Every time life said ‘no,’ I found a different way forward.”

This attitude doesn’t just guide her personal life – it shapes her leadership style. At Lady of Influence, she aims to embed resilience into the culture. The goal is not just to help people in crisis, but to equip them with the tools to thrive in the long run.

Her own commitment to self – care – through reflection, prayer, journaling, and mindfulness – keeps her grounded. And she encourages those around her to prioritize their mental and emotional wellness too.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup” she often says.

Empowerment at the Core

At the heart of everything Capricia does is empowerment. She doesn’t aim to “fix” anyone – rather, she believes in guiding people to discover the strength already within them.

“I see myself as a mirror” she explains. “Sometimes people forget who they are, what they’re capable of. I help them see that again.”

Whether she’s working with youth, returning citizens, single mothers, or individuals in recovery, Capricia uses encouragement as a key tool. She builds people up, one conversation at a time.

Her work with Covenant House, Nine Star Education, and AmeriCorps as a Re – Entry Specialist has taught her the importance of meeting people with dignity and hope. This belief continues to shape the culture she is building at Lady of Influence – a culture where everyone is valued, regardless of where they are on their journey.

Honoring Her Mentors and Influences

Capricia is quick to credit those who have guided and inspired her over the years. Her participation in the Pure International Pageant and the Miss Black International Ambassador Scholarship Pageant played a significant role in developing her leadership confidence and public speaking skills.

“These pageants weren’t about glitz and glam – they were about service, family values, and making a difference” she says. “I carry those lessons with me every day.”

She also acknowledges her clients as her greatest teachers. “Every person I’ve worked with has taught me something – about courage, about survival, about grace.”

Local Roots, Global Vision

While Capricia’s work is deeply rooted in Alaska – particularly in Anchorage and Fairbanks – her aspirations are global. She’s acutely aware of the universal need for access to resources, mental health support, and systems that work for everyone.

“I may be working locally, but I’m thinking globally” she says. “If I can create a model here that truly changes lives, then maybe it can be replicated elsewhere.”

Her approach to leadership is collaborative. She believes in lifting others as she climbs, building partnerships, and involving community voices in shaping solutions.

Embracing Risk, Building for the Future

The journey to build Lady of Influence has involved stepping into the unknown. There have been moments of doubt, financial risk, and logistical challenges. But Capricia sees risk as part of the process.

“Sometimes, you just have to believe in the vision more than the fear” she shares.

Every decision is weighed with care. Every challenge is seen as an opportunity to grow. Her goal is not perfection – it’s progress.

Capricia’s readiness to adapt and learn is one of her strongest traits. From running community events and training workshops to navigating bureaucratic systems and leading small teams, she continues to expand her skill set as she prepares for the full launch of her organization.

Addressing Global Challenges Locally, with Heart

Capricia is acutely aware of the wider world’s struggles – stark disparities in resource access, the escalating need for mental health support, the lingering impacts of societal inequities. While Lady of Influence is her local response, her work at Alaska Behavioral Health puts her on the front lines now. She tackles these global issues on the ground, one person, one family at a time, providing immediate support and connection to vital resources. The insights she gains daily – the specific barriers Alaskans face, the gaps in existing systems – directly fuel the vision for Lady of Influence, ensuring it will be designed to meet real, pressing local needs with sustainable solutions. Her leadership understands that global change often starts with unwavering local commitment.

A Foundation of Wellness and Compassion

If there’s one message Capricia wants to leave with others, it’s this: Take care of yourself, so you can take care of others.

“Well-being isn’t a luxury” she says. “It’s a necessity – especially for those who serve.”

She envisions Lady of Influence as a space where both clients and staff can find peace, purpose, and balance. Wellness will be embedded in the way services are delivered, ensuring the organization remains a place of healing, not burnout.

The Ripple Effect of “Not Like the Rest”

Capricia Cunningham’s recognition as a Top Peer Support Leader isn’t about fanfare. It’s a testament to the quiet, transformative power of showing up with empathy, expertise, and an unwavering belief in human potential. Her “Not like the rest” approach signifies a rejection of one-size-fits-all solutions and a deep commitment to honoring the unique story of every individual.

As she continues her vital work at Alaska Behavioral Health and carefully nurtures Lady of Influence Community Resources Services LLC into being, Capricia embodies a crucial truth: profound change often begins not with loud declarations, but with the quiet, consistent act of seeing someone, truly seeing them, and offering a hand tailored just for them. In the vastness of Alaska, and in the often – overlooked corners of human struggle, Capricia Cunningham is proving that empowerment, rooted in humility and genuine connection, is one of the most powerful forces for mental health and personal transformation we have. Her leadership is a beacon, reminding us all those lifting others up is the surest path to building a stronger, more resilient community.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As Capricia Cunningham continues to build toward her dream, she does so with humility and quiet determination. Her story is far from over, but already it serves as a reminder that real change begins with care, courage, and commitment.

In a world that often celebrates loud voices, Capricia’s gentle strength is a refreshing reminder of the power of service. Through Lady of Influence Community Resources Services LLC and her role at Alaska Behavioral Health, she is lighting the way for others to believe in themselves again.

For all she has done – and all she is yet to do – Capricia Cunningham is truly one of the Top Peer Support Leaders Empowering Mental Health and Personal Transformation in 2025.