By Mell P | NY Carib News
In honor of Women’s History Month for the third consecutive year, East Ramapo Central School District rolled out an exclusive series of videos celebrating the vital role women in the community have had in our society: The East Ramapo Central School District Regent Judith Johnson Sheroes Series.
Among the honorees this year was Jamaican-born Hope Wade, founder of Hope Wade Designs and creator and executive producer of Rockland Fashion Week, who was selected for the 2024 video because of her strong support of her community, her belief in “giving back,” and her mentorship of high school students who have an interest in fashion.
She has crafted gowns for Miss Jamaica World, Miss Jamaica Universe, Miss Jamaica Nation, Miss Intercontinental pageants, and various other international competitions. Wade’s creations enjoy a significant celebrity following. Her designs have been donned by Academy and Grammy Award-winner Darlene Love during performances for former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.
Wade responded to this honor saying, “To be called a Sheroe in any capacity is humbling but to think that your name is esteemed in the same light as Regent Judith Johnson is daunting. And I think what really got to me was that the video would be shown to all the students in the E. Ramapo School District. Wow! (I had the honor of meeting her once when I was invited by President Michael Baston of Rockland Community College to a breakfast at the college.)”
In 2022, East Ramapo rolled out the sheroes series for the first time, and it was so well received by the administrators, principals, teachers, students and community members. Each year since, the committee of devoted community members has been working with the District to identify new sheroes, compile their impressive bios, and produce several sheroes videos for East Ramapo students to view and appreciate.
The members of the East Ramapo Central School District Regent Judith Johnson Sheroes Series include: Carole Anderson, Anita Cunningham, Jean Fields, Drusilla Kinzonzi, Teri Mersel, Charlotte Ramsey, and Robin Wren, along with District team of Ellen Andriello, Executive Director for Elementary Schools and Dr. Augustina West, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools.
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