For Christine West ’05, Alaska Pacific University became part of a major career and life transition. After building a successful career in sales engineering, Christine began looking for a different path, one centered more deeply on understanding people and helping them grow.

While on a mountaineering trip in Alaska, she experienced what she describes as a spiritual awakening that led her to reconsider her career. Not long afterward, she heard a radio advertisement for APU and felt an immediate connection.

“I knew what my divine purpose was. It was to step out of corporate,” she said.

Christine enrolled in APU’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program, graduating in 2005. Although she did not initially intend to become a therapist, she saw psychology as a way to better understand people and apply those insights to leadership, communication and business.

During her time at APU, an unexpected job loss became a defining experience. Rather than choosing an internship that directly aligned with her future business plans, Christine entered substance abuse counseling. The experience challenged her to think differently about behavior, personal responsibility and lasting change.

Those lessons continue to shape her work today. As a people strategist, Christine helps leaders communicate effectively, navigate difficult conversations and develop greater emotional intelligence. Her graduate research into fear, self-sabotage and identity continues to inform her work with executives, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Her approach is grounded in authenticity and personal growth.

“If you don’t change you,” she said, “all those tools eventually fail because who you really are is going to come out.”

Christine has also experienced the challenges of entrepreneurship firsthand. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought her consulting business to a standstill, she rebuilt by embracing virtual platforms, expanding her network and developing new programs focused on purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Today, she hopes to reconnect with APU by mentoring students and collaborating with faculty. Her advice to fellow alumni reflects the philosophy that has guided her own journey:

“Believe in yourself, and don’t snooze your dreams. You’ve got to start today.”