OUR FOUNDER, TRAGIL WADE
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, at an early age Tragil Wade became a caregiver to her younger brother, Dwyane Wade, among her other siblings and extended family. While caring for her family, Tragil realized she had a passion for giving back to underserved youth. Following her passion, she earned her Associate Degree from San Diego City College in Early Childhood Education. She then went on to receive her Bachelors at Chicago State where she minored in Psychology and majored in Elementary Education.
In 2006, she became the Executive Director of Wade’s World Foundation, under her leadership the organization raised over $3.4 million and received
numerous awards. In 2014, she received a ministerial certificate and in 2015, received certification in Transformational Foundation, Grants and Strategies, Principals in Leadership and Board Building at the University of Notre Dame.
In 2017, her organization was launched as a 501(c)3, America’s Big Sisters Foundation, where she continues to pursue her mission of providing support for youth across the country to live above difficult circumstances. Tragil is happily married to Edward Johnson and has 2 bonus children.
Honors
2013
BET Humanitarian Award
Woman of Distinction Award
2014
Woman of Excellence (Chicago Defender)
2015
Humanitarian Award (Steve and Marjorie Harvey)
Path to Possibility Award (Options for Youth) Leaders Recognizing Leaders Award
2016
Champion for Children (Cafe Mocha)
2017
Survivors Stroll Award (Hosana4youth)
2018
Dr. Rita Marley Ambassador Award (Female Development World Organization)
2019
Trailblazer Award (Chicago Business Exchange)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
dr. irishea hilliard
President
"Dr. Irishea has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2017. She serves as the Senior Pastor of the New Light Christian Center Church in Houston, TX. She has been involved in the ministry of changing the lives of youth for over 20 years. Dr. Irishea has a Doctorate in Urban Youth Ministry and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. She is the proud mother of two sons."
laterica griffin
Secretary
"Laterica has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2017. She is a Florida trained Firefighter and EMT with a degree in Fire Science. She is also a professional traveling Hair Stylist. Laterica is the proud mother of 1 daughter and 2 sons."
Greta moncayo
Treasurer
"Greta has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2018. She serves as the Donor Relations Representative with the ministry of WayFM. She has over a decade of experience in non-profit fundraising, community relations, marketing, and more. Greta has a degree in Communication Studies with a Minor in Sport Management and an MS in Educational Leadership. "
alisha clifton
Vice President
"Alisha has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2017. She is the Senior Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Information Management. She served in the US Navy for 20 years as a Navy Counselor and retired in 2014. Alisha has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education & Development. She is the proud mother of two sons."
Tamara Johnson
Financial Advisor
"Tamara has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2018. She is an attorney at a personal injury firm specializing in nursing home negligence & med malpractice in New York City. She has previously worked in other non-profit organizations. Tamara received her law degree in 2017 from Marquette University. "
SUPPORT STAFF
Taletha Cousins
executive assistant
"Taletha has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2017. She serves as the Administrator of the foundation and Assistant to Tragil Wade. She also provides business consulting services and event planning. Taletha has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 25 years and a Licensed Minister for over 15 years. She is the proud mother of 2 sons."
Darrick thompson
fundraising assistant
"Darrick has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2017. He is a licensed general contractor in Chicago, Il. He took his love and passion for carpentry and started the D&T Youth Trade Foundation, which mentors youth in the art of carpentry. Darrick is a Deputy Registrar and dedicates his time to educating people on the importance of voting. He is committed to making a difference in the lives of today's youth."
Norris thompson
media/public relations
"Norris has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2017. He is a singer, actor, song writer, and radio personality in Chicago, Il. He is a producer/board operator and is the co-host of the Norris & Deb Show on Rejoice 102.3fm. Norris has worked in Media & Communications for over 12 years. He has a degree in Radio/TV Broadcasting from SIU and has been a licensed minister since 1999."
tiffany bellamy
Staff Counselor
"Tiffany has been an avid supporter of the foundation since 2018. She is an experienced therapist offering individual, children, family, and couples counseling in Chicago, Il. Specializing in sports-psychology, anger management, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, life coaching, and more. Tiffany has a Masters Degree in Psychology and PhD in Counseling Psychology"
goal girls Advisory Committee:
Diann Aldridge, Jessica Alexandre(Ambassador), Chandra Burgess, Tiffany Gregory, Monique Hobbs, Eboney Hogan(Ambassador),
Chamera Johnson, Denise Moore, Cortney Ray, Masah SamForay, Juan Teague, Darrick Thompson, Norris Thompson,
Gia Tutalo-Mote
all girls matter empowerment expo Advisory Committee:
Nicole Banks, Sheena Baskerville, Miyoshi Brown, Joyce Chapman, Carolyn Curry, Shatina Edwards, Tammera Holmes, Chamera Johnson, Greta Moncayo, Carolyn Palmer, Carisa Parker, Wanda Rodgers, Darrick Thompson, Norris Thompson