She graduated from West Philadelphia High School and received a Master of Health Science degree from Lincoln University in 1989.
[4][5] Washington was a high school dropout, teen parent, and victim of domestic violence early in her marriage.
[10] On March 12, 2014, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office announced felony charges of diversion of services and conflict of interest against Washington.
[11] The charges included usage of staff members and state equipment to plan her birthday party fundraiser.
[6] In October 2014, Washington agreed to leave office early (she had already lost the primary) in exchange for being permitted to retain her retirement benefits.