Influential Woman · Non profit
Phylicia Applewhite
Senior Coordinated entry system specialist, Regional Task Force on Homelessness
San Diego, CA
Her Story
About Phylicia
My name is Phylicia Applewhite, and I am a systems professional, advocate, mother, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping people navigate complex systems and access opportunities that create stability, growth, and long-term success.
I was born and raised in San Diego, California, and being deeply connected to this community has shaped both my personal and professional journey. Growing up here gave me a firsthand view of the diversity, resilience, and challenges that exist within our communities. It also instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to solutions that create meaningful impact for the people who call this region home.
Professionally, I work in the housing and homeless response sector as a Senior CES System Specialist, where I focus on system coordination, data-driven decision-making, and connecting individuals to resources that can improve their lives. My work sits at the intersection of policy, technology, collaboration, and human-centered problem-solving. Every day, I have the opportunity to contribute to systems that impact thousands of people throughout San Diego County.
What has always fascinated me is how systems shape outcomes. Whether it's housing, public services, organizational structures, or community resources, I've found that understanding how systems operate often reveals opportunities to improve them. That curiosity has become one of the driving forces behind my career and has led me to become someone who is constantly asking questions, seeking solutions, and looking for ways to bridge the gap between information and action.
My journey has not been without challenges. Like many women balancing career, family, personal growth, and life's unexpected obstacles, I've learned that growth often happens during the moments that test us most. Those experiences have strengthened my belief that obstacles don't define us—our response to them does.
Outside of my professional work, I am passionate about education, advocacy, leadership, and sharing knowledge. I believe information is one of the most powerful tools people can possess. When individuals understand how systems work, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and create opportunities for their future.
As a Black woman, a mother, and a San Diego native, I understand the importance of representation. I believe people should be able to see themselves reflected in leadership, decision-making spaces, and the conversations shaping their communities.
At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: when we empower people with knowledge, transparency, opportunity, and representation, we create stronger individuals, stronger communities, and stronger systems.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Phylicia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to ask questions others may overlook.
Throughout my career, I've learned that some of the most meaningful improvements happen when you stop accepting processes at face value and start asking why things work the way they do. I've never been afraid to learn something new, challenge assumptions, or step into unfamiliar territory. Whether I'm working with data, policies, or community systems, I focus on understanding how the pieces connect and how they impact real people. Success, to me, isn't just about achievement. It's about continuously learning, creating solutions, and leaving systems better than you found them.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is to never stop learning and never underestimate the value of your perspective.
Early in my career, I thought expertise meant having all the answers. Over time, I've learned that expertise often comes from being willing to ask the right questions. Curiosity has opened more doors for me than certainty ever could.
I've also learned that confidence doesn't come before action—it comes from taking action. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career happened because I was willing to speak up, share an idea, or volunteer to solve a problem before I felt completely ready.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't underestimate the value of your voice, your perspective, or your lived experience.
Many women wait until they feel completely qualified before pursuing an opportunity. My advice is simple: don't wait. Apply for the role. Ask the question. Join the conversation.
Learn the systems around you, understand how decisions are made, and become someone who can connect information, people, and solutions. Technical skills are important, but so are communication, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Most importantly, remember that leadership isn't about a title. Leadership is about creating value, helping others succeed, and having the courage to contribute even when you're still learning.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the housing and homeless response field is the ability to use data, technology, and collaboration to improve outcomes for people who need support.
We have access to more information than ever before, but information alone doesn't create change. The challenge is ensuring that systems, policies, and services work together effectively and remain focused on the people they are intended to serve.
We're also entering a period of significant change in housing policy and funding. While change can create uncertainty, it also creates an opportunity to rethink processes, improve accountability, strengthen partnerships, and focus on long-term outcomes.
The future belongs to organizations that can balance compassion, innovation, and accountability.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, transparency, service, and authenticity are at the heart of both my work and personal life.
I believe trust is built through honesty, consistency, and following through on commitments. Whether I'm working with colleagues, community partners, or the people impacted by the systems we serve, I believe relationships are strengthened when people know they can depend on your word and your actions.
Beyond that, I value commitment and a genuine sense of care in everything I do. It's not just about achieving outcomes—it's about how you show up for people along the way. I believe in being present, leading with authenticity, and putting forth consistent effort because it reflects respect for the people you work with and the goals you share.
As a mother, I've learned that leadership isn't simply about directing others; it's about listening, supporting, and creating environments where people feel valued and empowered to grow. That perspective carries into my professional life as well.
Ultimately, I strive to create trust, foster connection, and contribute to work that leaves people and systems stronger than I found them.
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