Speaker: Willie Mae Jackson, M.D., (MA ’09), General and Forensic Psychiatrist
native of the west side of Chicago, shares her paths of both non-traditional and traditional routes that lead to a variety of outcomes that helped shape her current career and personal trajectories. Being a mental health advocate for decades, she focuses on the importance of living in the now and truly working towards having a life and career. Now delving into the world of fictional writing, Willie Mae has taken a step out on faith and determination to evolve her perspective and meaning. Learn how to navigate through some of the daily challenges and tasks that can impact your ability to see your potential and believe it.
Dr. Willie Mae Jackson’s Bio
Born and raised on the West side of Chicago, IL. She attended Chicago Public schools throughout her elementary (William H. Elementary School) and high school (Hugh Manley). She was raised in a single parent home but also had (extended) support from mentors, extended family, and friends. Dr. Jackson attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where she majored in Psychology with a minor in theater while studying pre-medicine. After college, she worked in several social services agencies including but not limited to Department of Children and Family series and Orthogenic School at the University of Chicago. While working, she attended Roosevelt University and obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Upon completion, she focused on continuing to work in the non-for profit sectors until she attended medical school at Ross University. As a medical student and resident physician (University of Louisville School of Medicine), Dr. Jackson understood the importance of understanding behavioral sciences and medicine in the African-American Community. She has published articles focusing on mental health in the underserved population in the City of Chicago. Completed her forensic psychiatry fellowship at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Jackson had the privilege of being mentored by world-renown Community Psychiatrist Dr. Carl Bell (to which they have 2 articles in print). She continues to push forward with the promotion and advocacy of good mental health through her various social media sites (i.e., Instagram @dr_willie_mae & Facebook Drwilliemae).
Dr. Jackson is currently working on improving access and reducing stigma of mental health not only in the underserved communities but also in the college settings throughout the city of Chicago. Her continued dedication will continue to empower, educate the importance of a good quality of life, and good mental health.
Dr. Jackson is a product of an underserved environment and continues to spread hope to other individuals from similar communities/backgrounds to fulfill their dreams and give back. She also mentors medical students from her Alar mater. She continues to persevere and now adds authorship as a fictional writer. Her novel, Make It Right, currently available on Amazon, is a psychological thriller. Her motto of ‘living by your own rules and maintaining one’s moral compass’ has served her well.
Dr. Jackson is an example of a Chicagoan truly living their dream(s) in spite of experiencing many adversities in her life which also served as her catalyst to specialize in psychiatry and obtain further training in the field of forensic psychiatry.