In August 2023, Jessica Gimeno joined Access Living’s team in the role of Mental Health Policy Analyst. Jessica has devoted her life to the causes of mental health and health equity through writing, keynote speaking, and nonprofit work. She started her blog, Fashionably ill ®, in 2012 where she writes and vlogs about surviving pain with style and humor. Previously, Jessica wrote for The Huffington Post. She is most known for her award-winning TEDx Talk, “How to Get Stuff Done When You Are Depressed.” Jessica has been featured on various national media outlets including NBC News, PBS, and MSNBC.
Jessica was appointed to the Protect Our Care Illinois Coalition Steering Committee and is also the President of ACA Consumer Advocacy. Jessica previously worked on Rutgers University and U Mass Chan Medical School’s Helping Youth on the Path to Employment (HYPE) program, which helps young adults with severe mental illness find meaningful employment. Jessica also worked for the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (now part of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance).
Jessica has a Master of Public of Public Policy & Administration degree from Northwestern University and is currently earning a post-baccalaureate certificate in counseling & psychology from The University of California, Berkeley. She is excited to work with Access Living in driving systemic changes that empower people with disabilities.