Briana Sykes

I attribute my success to resilience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to growth. I believe in showing up fully—especially when challenges demand more of me—and in doing the work with integrity even when recognition isn’t guaranteed. Staying grounded in purpose, remaining open to learning, and surrounding myself with strong, supportive people have shaped both my career and my leadership style. Success, to me, isn’t a single achievement; it’s built through persistence, adaptability, and the courage to keep moving forward.

The best career advice I ever received was to never stop being willing to learn. Every day, I meet people with different stories, lived experiences, and perspectives on life. While I may understand the textbook approach, I’ve learned that it’s rarely the only—or the most meaningful—way forward. Each person I encounter carries lessons of their own, and staying open to those lessons has shaped not only how I work, but who I am.

Don’t give up.

I faced significant pushback for choosing to be the only woman on an all-male team and for working in a men’s facility—often from people who knew me well. What they didn’t see was how profoundly this career would change my life. Every day, I have the privilege of showing a community of individuals—many of whom feel invisible or beyond help—that they matter and that seeking support was not a weakness, but an act of courage.

Men often face layered stigmas when it comes to mental health, and as a woman in this space, I’ve learned the importance of recognizing that reality and meeting it with compassion. Being able to help men work through trauma and rediscover their worth affirms that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. This work isn’t about recognition—it’s about purpose. And it’s something I want to dedicate my life to.

One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—I see is expanding access to support for men. Many treatment centers are designed for women or mothers, which is critically important, yet there remains a significant gap for fathers. I’ve worked with countless single dads who entered treatment only after losing their children to the system, simply because there were no facilities that allowed them to receive help while remaining active parents. Creating spaces that support fathers and keep families intact would not only change individual outcomes, but open the door for more men to seek the help they need.

The values most important to me are integrity, compassion, and accountability. In my work, that means showing up with honesty, doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, and treating every person with dignity and respect. In my personal life, those same values guide how I love, listen, and support the people around me. I believe consistency between who you are at work and who you are in life is what builds trust, purpose, and meaningful impact.