POMONA, NY – Hope Wade, the acclaimed Jamaican-American fashion designer from Pomona, New York, has been honored with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. The award ceremony took place at The Mansion in Monroe, NY, recognizing Wade’s extraordinary contributions to her community, amassing over 4,000 hours of service. As part of this honor, Wade received a personalized certificate, an official medallion, and a congratulatory letter from President Joe Biden.
Wade, a graduate of Convent of Mercy ‘Alpha’ Academy in Kingston, Jamaica, and Cooper Union College, expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. “When I received the email that I was getting this award, I was honestly surprised and humbled that my body of work and contribution to the community has been recognized on such a prestigious level,” she said.
As a fashion designer and Executive Producer of Rockland Fashion Week, Wade has earned local and international recognition. Through her work, she has created platforms for designers and models, including those with disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, and blindness, to showcase their talents. Rockland Fashion Week, attended by over 700 people, has become a key cultural event in the area.
Beyond her success in fashion, Wade is also a dedicated mentor to both young girls and older women. She has used her talents to raise funds for nonprofit organizations and has been a vocal advocate for using creative arts, particularly fashion, as a means for students to express themselves. Wade has been actively involved in local schools, where she teaches students about the business of fashion.
Her leadership extends beyond fashion, as Wade serves as president of the Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) and the Alpha Academy Tri-State Alumnae Association. She is also on the boards of the Cooper Union College Alumni Association, the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), and the Nyack Business Council. Recently, she was appointed to the Advisory Board of Montego Bay Community College in Jamaica.
Wade’s career is decorated with accolades. She received the first Woman of Distinction Award from the New York State Assembly and the Woman of Achievement Award from the Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN). Additionally, she was honored with the Woman of Excellence Award by the Alpha Academy Alumnae Association in 2017.
Her designs have graced prominent stages and events. Notably, her red silk flute gown, worn by Rock and Roll icon Darlene Love on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio. Miss Jamaica World 2018, Kadeejah Robinson, also wore one of Wade’s gowns during the Miss World competition in China.
Wade owns and operates her couture store in Nyack, where she designs custom dresses for weddings, formal events, and other occasions. She has showcased her work at major fashion events, including Caribbean Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week, receiving rave reviews.
An ordained evangelist, Wade attributes her success to her faith in God. She lives in Pomona with her husband, Paul Wade, Vice President of MUFG Bank, and their daughter Jasper, who recently completed her master’s degree at Syracuse University.