Meet the Advocate

Derrick Williams, a Washington, D.C. based mental health advocate and motivational speaker, is on a mission to elevate mental health awareness and foster love through open dialogues. He has been featured on numerous podcasts and panels sharing wisdom and inspiration. He is the creator and founder of Breathe and Embrace, an initiative born from his personal mental health experiences, challenges and victories.

While completing his master’s degree program from Georgetown University, things suddenly shifted in Derrick’s life. Derrick endured a relapse with his major depressive disorder and suffered with mental breakdowns, depressive episodes, and suicidal thoughts. Not only was this a physical and mental toll, but it also impacted Derrick emotionally and spiritually.

However, in the aftermath of his own struggle with depression in 2019, he made a vow to himself: once he overcame his battle, he would dedicate his life to reassuring others that they too could triumph over their challenges. This commitment has since become Derrick’s life's mission. He created this platform to motivate and inspire change in how we activate, manage and discuss our mental health.

The commitment of being a light in the mental health space has since become Derrick’s life's mission. He encourages everyone to just breathe, live, embrace, and just be. His major depressive disorder became his personal ministry. If Derrick helps just one person, then he is assured that his living is not in vain.