Meet Capri Bell: Executive Director, I Will Survive, Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Capri Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Capri, what’s the end goal, career-wise?

As the New Executive Director of I Will Survive, Inc., I see the end goal as elevation of this innovative health organization grow beyond its measures. I see I will Survive, Inc. continuing to break barriers and reaching new heights within the organization, the community and nationwide. I picture the end goal to include advancements in health care, treatments, cures, and resources for those at higher risk and affected by breast cancer. I envision I Will Survive, Inc becoming a leading preventative health organization nationally & internationally. The impact and imprint I Will Survive, Inc., has made on the community within the 10 years of our existence is remarkable and speaks to our amazing Founder Anisa Palmer-Warren, Board of Directors, Staff, Volunteers, and Interns.

Personally, I do not believe there is an end to a career only evolution, development, and lifelong learning. Even when someone enters retirement that is the start of another career. Professionally, I imagine myself continuing to work with organizations that are client centered with a powerful mission, vision, and values. I want to continue to “be the change I wish to see in the world “as paraphrased so eloquently by Gandhi. I am committed to leading by example in both my personal and professional work and striving to support those in need. My mission in life is to be a light to those in dark places, to be a shoulder to lean on in uneven terrain, an ear to listen & a voice of reason and support. I pride myself on two simple principles, honesty, and integrity. At the end of it all I would like to be remembered for those reasons.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.- Maya Angelou”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As an experienced leader in the non-profit sector with over 16 years’ experience and 11 plus years in leadership. I am enthusiastic about leading with positivity, leading by example & empowering people to lead the BEST lives they desire! 

As Executive Director of I Will Survive, Inc., our mission is to provide economic support, prevention education, and health & wellness services to those at higher risk and affected with breast cancer! I Will Survive, Inc is a 501(c)(3) headquartered in the metropolitan area of Georgia, founded in 2010, and serving Locally first, then Nationally, then Internationally. We are tireless in our efforts to serve, provide resources, programs and support to our communities.

My social services background include education, training & development, workforce development, counseling & psychology, and healthcare to name a few. I have a passion for non-profits with a strong mission, vision & values. Originally from Massachusetts, I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and Master of Education in Counseling & Psychology with concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College.

I always say, nothing in life worth having is easy and it takes a lot of work. That said, my successes were not easy but worth it and every set back was a set up for success. I have learned that every test is a testament to our story and a chapter in our autobiography.

Aside from being a well-versed leader, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and raising my two young daughters to always reach for the stars! I hope that my experiences, lessons, losses, and successes can help empower those I encounter throughout my career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Exploring the beltline by scooter, bike or walking, dinner at Two Urban licks or 9 Mile Station. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is an all-time favorite of mine. Checking out an outdoor concert or music festival (pre or post Covid) is a must! Riding Skyview Atlanta in downtown and hiking Stone Mountain just to name a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would like to shoutout the following:

Anisa Palmer-Warren & The Board of Directors at I Will Survive, Inc. for entrusting me to lead such an amazing organization.

Supervisors, colleagues, instructors, clients, friends & family that have mentored, supported & encouraged me over the years.

My mother for setting such a great example and making it look so easy.

My daughters who make me so proud and spark fire in me every day to be the very best I can be not only because they are watching but because they are the future!

God, because without him I am nothing!