Jessica Dueñas is a writer, TEDx speaker, educator, and recovery advocate whose work explores addiction, self-worth, and the cost of high achievement.
As a first-generation American raised in a culture that prized hard work and accomplishment, she understands the powerful pressure to succeed, even when it comes at the cost of one’s wellbeing.
Her talks draw from her experience being named 2019 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year while privately struggling with alcohol addiction, and from her journey rebuilding a life grounded in honesty, recovery, and storytelling.
Jessica’s story and writing have been featured on TEDx, NPR, CBS Evening News, and Red Table Talk.
Featured Talk – What’s Success Without Self-Worth?
In this TEDx talk, Jessica explores the societal pressure to earn worth through achievement and how that pressure can fuel addiction, burnout, and self-abandonment. Drawing on her experience being named Kentucky State Teacher of the Year while secretly battling alcohol addiction, she invites audiences to rethink success and reconnect with their inherent worth.
Speaking Topics & Formats
Jessica offers keynotes, workshops, and facilitated conversations on topics including:
The Hidden Cost of Success
How performance-based worth can lead to burnout, addiction, and disconnection.
Addiction and the Myth of “Having It All Together”
Why addiction often hides behind high achievement.
Storytelling as a Tool for Healing
A writing-based workshop that uses storytelling to help participants process experience and reclaim their voice.
Jessica is also happy to tailor talks and workshops to meet the needs of specific audiences.
Jessica’s story and work have reached national audiences through media and speaking engagements including:
- TEDx “What’s Success Without Self-Worth?”
- CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell
- Red Table Talk Interview
- NPR Interview
- Colorado Public Radio Interview – Back from Broken
Invite Jessica to Speak
Jessica is available for keynote talks, workshops, and facilitated conversations for universities, conferences, recovery organizations, and community events.
For booking inquiries: