Community ADL® Awardee
Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson
Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson is an award-winning philanthropist, author, speaker, and founder of America’s Big Sisters Foundation, a movement dedicated to empowering girls through education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities. A recipient of the President Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, she is nationally recognized for her advocacy and leadership supporting motherless girls and underserved youth.
Her work has been featured on CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell and in People Magazine during Women’s History Month (2024). She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Wade-Johnson is the author of the children’s book Big Sister, Big Heart, the inspirational book Strong Too Soon, and a co-author of the collaborative book Redefined. Through her foundation, she created the Mother’s Care Mentoring Initiative, supporting motherless girls, and launched AMY (Affirming & Motivating Youth) in 2025 — a character and empowerment program designed to help young girls build identity and confidence before the world defines them.
She is currently leading the All Girls Matter: Journey Around America, a national initiative traveling to all 50 states to create safe spaces, mentorship, and empowerment experiences for thousands of girls.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Wade-Johnson has turned personal adversity into a powerful mission — ensuring that every girl knows her voice, her value, and her future matter.
Invest in Chicago Students
About Perspectives
Educating the whole child
1
Academic Rigor
Our college prep curriculum leverages instruction and personalized learning. Students can take advantage of certification programs, career development, and early college credit.
2
Social Emotional Learning
A Disciplined Life® is our social-emotional learning curriculum and set of 26 principles. These principles are the foundation of Perspectives. Our 26 principles teach students to have positive self-perception, healthy relationships, and the tools for productivity.
3