Veronica Jacuinde

Veronica Jacuinde is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and mental health advocate based in Bakersfield, California. Veronica serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Wasco Tribune, where she leads editorial operations and provides community-focused reporting for the residents of Wasco and Shafter. As a self-taught writer and journalist, she covers local government, education, public safety, business, and community affairs, using storytelling to amplify local voices and strengthen connections within the communities she serves.

Veronica is also the Founder and President of the World Bipolar Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting recovery through education, advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement. Inspired by her personal journey living with bipolar disorder, Veronica has developed initiatives such as the annual World Bipolar Day Mental Health Awareness & Arts Festival in Wasco, bringing together mental health professionals, artists, advocates, families, and community leaders to encourage conversations around mental wellness. Her dedication to advocacy was recognized when she received the 2025 Mental Health Advocate of the Year award from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Kern.

Veronica’s career reflects a diverse background in journalism, communications, nonprofit leadership, and community development. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from University of California, Berkeley and has completed professional studies through Stanford University. Her previous experiences include work in marketing, public relations, legal communications, and community outreach, allowing her to build strong skills in storytelling, advocacy, and relationship-building. Through her leadership roles with organizations such as Strata Credit Union and the Wasco Rotary Club, Veronica continues to empower communities by promoting education, compassion, mental health awareness, and positive social change.