Sapphire Phillips
Sapphire Phillips is a correctional officer at Augusta State Medical Prison in Hephzibah, Georgia, and an undergraduate student at Park University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. With a strong affinity for numbers and analytical work, she describes accounting as a natural fit that aligns with her strengths and interests. Alongside her professional and academic commitments, she is also a dedicated mother and someone who values personal growth, discipline, and lifelong learning.
In addition to her work in corrections and studies in accounting, Sapphire has built a strong foundation in healthcare and caregiving. She earned her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential from Helms College in March 2026, completing a Multi-skill Medical Assisting program with honors. She brings a patient-centered approach to care, particularly in geriatric settings, where she prioritizes compassion, communication, and dignity. She also operates an in-home care business, providing support to patients in their homes and fostering meaningful relationships through consistent, attentive care.
Sapphire’s professional background spans multiple industries, including over two years in corrections, experience in customer service with Concentrix, and approximately 15 years of work in service-oriented roles. She is also highly skilled in Microsoft and Windows systems and has spent time teaching herself and her children multiple languages. Driven by resilience and adaptability, she is committed to breaking limitations and expanding her impact. Looking ahead, she plans to continue her education in nursing with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner, further advancing her mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care.
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Park University - B.S.
• National Honor Society (Alpha Beta Kappa) Member
• Dean's List
• President's List
• Certificates of Achievement for Outstanding Student Leadership
• Certification Exam Score of 411 (Top of Class)
• National Health Association (NHA)
• Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family. My family stood behind me the entire way. Whether I needed a babysitter when I was studying, if I needed a mental break, no matter what it was, my mom, my husband, my kids, everybody - even my dad, my grandmother - everybody stood behind me. They really showed, like, if she's gonna do this, we're gonna back her up. That support meant everything to me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my extern teacher, Ms. Williams. She told me, 'Don't let this be the end for you. You have a lot of compassion, and you can thrive through anything. And I will always be proud of you, no matter what you do, as long as you do it with a purpose.' Those words have stayed with me and continue to inspire me every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to any young woman entering not just this industry, but any industry, is don't settle for less, because you're better than what society may think of you. We, as women, we're powerful. So to settle for less than your worth, that's not gonna cut it. You have to know your worth and stand on that.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is the competitiveness of it. It's a really competitive industry. A lot of people may not feel like it is, but it really is, especially when it comes to income, because some doctors' offices may not pay as much as the next doctor's office. But you also have to market yourself in order to get that competitiveness that you're looking for. You have to build your brand so when you're out there, you know, like, hey, I'm worth this amount, right here, with a couple of commas behind it. And some doctors are willing to pay that, especially when you bring the value to the table.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, loyalty, friendship, and love are the values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life. I believe that you cannot truly thrive in this career without a genuine passion for what you do. When you love your work, regardless of how long you have been in the field, it continues to bring a sense of fulfillment and joy over time.
Locations
Augusta State Medical Prison
Hephxibah, GA 30815