Member since April 2026
Professor Pakesta Washington, MSN Ed., RN, a dynamic mental health speaker, nurse educator, and advocate who blends powerful lived experience with professional nursing expertise. Living with bipolar disorder herself, Professor Washington speaks with honesty, passion, and authenticity about the realities of mental health, including the challenges, stigma, treatment, resilience, and hope that come with the journey.
Her presentations are designed to educate, inspire, and empower audiences while helping them better understand mental health and break down stereotypes. Professor Washington’s goal is to keep audiences engaged, encouraged, and motivated from beginning to end. Through her story, expertise, and audience participation, she leaves them with a greater sense of knowledge and understanding about the most misunderstood mental illness, bipolar disorder.
There was a time in my life when I struggled deeply with bipolar disorder. I felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, and at times unworthy because of my diagnosis. Like so many people living with mental illness, I carried shame, fear, and silence. I worried about what people would think of me, whether I could still be successful, and whether I could still make a difference in the world.
My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into the woman, nurse, educator, and speaker I am today.
Building my business, speaking to others, teaching, mentoring, and encouraging people to keep going through difficult times truly makes me happy. At the end of the day, seeing people heal, grow, and believe in themselves is what puts the biggest smile on my face.
This engaging and informative presentation provides a clear, compassionate overview of bipolar disorder, including what it is, who it affects, and how it is recognized and diagnosed. Attendees will gain insight into the realities of living with bipolar disorder, including treatment options, medication management, associated costs, and common side effects. The session also addresses the emotional and social impact of the condition, with a focus on reducing stigma and increasing understanding. Blending clinical knowledge with real-life perspective, this talk equips audiences with practical awareness, empathy, and tools to better support themselves and others.
There was a time in my life when I struggled deeply with bipolar disorder. I felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, and at times unworthy because of my diagnosis. Like so many people living with mental illness, I carried shame, fear, and silence. I worried about what people would think of me, whether I could still be successful, and whether I could still make a difference in the world.
My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into the woman, nurse, educator, and speaker I am today.
Building my business, speaking to others, teaching, mentoring, and encouraging people to keep going through difficult times truly makes me happy. At the end of the day, seeing people heal, grow, and believe in themselves is what puts the biggest smile on my face.
This engaging and informative presentation provides a clear, compassionate overview of bipolar disorder, including what it is, who it affects, and how it is recognized and diagnosed. Attendees will gain insight into the realities of living with bipolar disorder, including treatment options, medication management, associated costs, and common side effects. The session also addresses the emotional and social impact of the condition, with a focus on reducing stigma and increasing understanding. Blending clinical knowledge with real-life perspective, this talk equips audiences with practical awareness, empathy, and tools to better support themselves and others.
