About us
Changing the world's understanding of bipolar disorder
The World Bipolar Foundation was born from lived experience — a belief that compassion, education, and storytelling can transform how the world sees and responds to mental health.
Veronica Jacuinde
Founder & President, World Bipolar Foundation
Our founder
A foundation built on lived experience, journalism, and hope
The World Bipolar Foundation was founded by Veronica Jacuinde, a seasoned journalist, mental health advocate, and person with lived experience of bipolar disorder. After navigating her own mental health journey, Veronica transformed her experience into a mission to help others by advancing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting healing-centered approaches to mental health around the world.
As the longtime Editor in Chief of the Wasco Tribune, Veronica has dedicated her career to telling stories that inform, inspire, and strengthen communities. In 2025, she was honored as NAMI Kern County's Mental Health Advocate of the Year for her leadership and commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Veronica founded the World Bipolar Foundation with the belief that every person's story has the power to create understanding, inspire hope, and spark meaningful change. Through education, advocacy, global partnerships, storytelling, and community engagement, the Foundation is working to build a future where mental health is met with compassion, dignity, and opportunity for all.
"My bipolar disorder is not my greatest challenge — it is the reason I discovered my greatest purpose. If sharing my story helps even one person find hope, then every step of my journey has been worth it."
Mission & vision
Our mission
Our mission is to transform the way the world understands and responds to mental health. Through education, advocacy, storytelling, and global partnerships, the World Bipolar Foundation promotes compassionate, healing-centered approaches that inspire hope, reduce stigma, and empower individuals and communities to thrive.
Our vision
A world where bipolar disorder is fully understood — where stigma no longer silences those who suffer, where every person affected has access to compassionate support, and where communities are equipped to respond with knowledge and care.
What guides us
Our core values
Compassion
We lead with empathy in everything we do — honoring the full humanity of every person touched by bipolar disorder.
Courage
We believe in the power of sharing difficult truths. Storytelling is an act of courage, and we celebrate it.
Education
Knowledge dismantles stigma. We are committed to evidence-based, accessible education for individuals, families, and communities.
Advocacy
We amplify the voices of those with lived experience and push for systemic change at every level.
Community
No one should face this journey alone. We build spaces where connection, belonging, and mutual support can flourish.
Hope
We believe recovery and thriving are possible. Hope is not a platitude — it is the foundation of everything we do.
Join us in making a difference
Whether you're a donor, corporate partner, advocate, or someone with a story to share — there is a place for you in this movement.