Special Guest: LeNisha I. Watson

1)  Share info about you, where you are from originally and where you are now, and what you do.

Hello! My name is LeNisha, and I'm a passionate advocate for mental health and community empowerment. Originally, I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana, and I now call the Tampa Bay area home. I'm a mother of three and a dedicated professional with a strong educational foundation in social and behavioral health. My degrees include Criminal Justice, Community Psychology, and Public Health with a specialization in Community Health Leadership. Professionally, I am a Mental Health Counselor, and I'm also an entrepreneur, a published author, and a public notary. My deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color led me to found Speak To Me Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women of color by connecting them to affordable, accessible, and culturally aware mental health therapy, fostering healing, resilience, and overall well-being. This work is a central passion in my life.

2)  What have you overcome?  Share a little about your topic. 

My work is driven by a desire to overcome systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities, particularly women of color, from accessing adequate mental health care and support. This passion is rooted in witnessing firsthand the disparities and challenges within the criminal justice and mental health systems. My life experience centers around promoting mental wellness, advocating for equitable access to resources, and empowering individuals to navigate these systems effectively. I firmly believe in the transformative power of therapy and am a huge advocate for it, aiming to break down stigmas and encourage its utilization within communities of color. A significant part of my work also involves assisting individuals with disabilities in accessing Social Security disability benefits, for which I've obtained the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) certification. 

3)  How did you know you needed to change? 

The need for change became undeniably clear as I witnessed the significant disparities in mental health access and support for women of color. I recognized the urgent need for more culturally competent care, advocacy, and resources tailored to their specific needs. My personal experiences, combined with my professional observations, fueled a desire to move beyond simply identifying problems to actively creating solutions. This realization, coupled with my passion to make a tangible difference, particularly in connecting women of color to therapy and mental health support, drove me to establish Speak To Me Inc. and take on leadership roles within community organizations. 

4)  What steps did you take to implement change?

To implement change, I took several key steps. First, I pursued higher education, earning degrees, a total of four degrees (and counting) to build a strong foundation. Recognizing the importance of direct action, I founded Speak To Me Inc. and have partnered with several organizations such as the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Florida Black Maternal Health Initiative. Furthermore, I actively engaged in leadership positions within various organizations, such as the Florida Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council and the Mayor's African American Advisory Council to influence policies and drive community health initiatives.

5)  What encouraging words can you leave for the readers. 

 I want to encourage everyone, especially women of color, to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Therapy is a powerful tool, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your experiences are valid, and you deserve access to culturally competent support. Use your unique skills and passions to advocate for change in your communities. Your voice matters, and your actions, no matter how small, can contribute to meaningful progress. Embrace lifelong learning, seek out opportunities for growth, and never underestimate your ability to empower others. Remember that resilience, advocacy, and community collaboration are powerful tools for creating a more equitable and just society. Believe in your capacity to overcome challenges and be a catalyst for positive transformation.

6)  What is your favorite quote?

 My favorite quote is by Audre Lorde: 'I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We've been taught that silence would save us, but it won't.' This quote deeply resonates with my work and passion for empowering women of color and giving voice to their experiences, particularly in the context of mental health and healing.

7)  Provide the best ways to contact you.

You can connect with me through the following channels:

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/speak-to-me-inc/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeakT0Me/

  Instagram: @speaktomeincorporated

  Website: www.speaktomeinc.com

  Email: lenishaw@gmail.com

   * I am also available through professional organizations where I serve in leadership.

Bio

•LeNisha is a mental health advocate who helps individuals get well, stay well, and take wellness and recovery into their own hands.

•LeNisha has a passion for creating positive social change for people from all backgrounds and communities through advocacy, counseling, research, technical assistance, and training.

•LeNisha believes that there is a fine line between enabling and empowering and that wellbeing is a care process that should be self-designed by the individual in treatment and is best approached collaboratively.

•LeNisha has conducted clinical research as a Principal Investigator in the mental health and substance abuse fields to improve treatment retention with the use of various intervention modalities and technology.

•LeNisha is an SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) local lead and published author.

•LeNisha holds a Master’s degree in Community Psychology from Martin University and a Master Public Health degree from the University of Phoenix.

Victorious Living Culture hopes you enjoyed learning about our guest LeNisha I. Watson. If you would like to nominate someone to be a special guest, contact noreen@victoriouslivingculture.com