Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson

Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, inspirational speaker, life coach, and author with a passion to improve the quality of life through educating, empowering, encouraging, and enlightening as many people as possible.

Tragil’s career as a leader in philanthropy started over 15 years ago, serving as the Executive Director of Wade’s World Foundation. She raised 3.4 million dollars in the first 5 years and impacted over 1 million lives, receiving awards yearly since 2013.

Her highest honor was being a recipient of President Biden’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. Tragil has been featured in many magazines, books, news articles, and talk shows. However, her current feature on CBS news 2022 Mother’s Day special with Norah O’Donnell has resonated nationwide.

Tragil is known for being a caregiver and big sister to her famous brother Dwyane Wade (retired NBA player). Their family story from tragedy to triumph sparked her desire to provoke change. In her words, “helping the little Dwyane and Tragil,” which inspired her to start America’s Big Sisters Foundation in 2017 where she desires to change the narrative of youth that have similar challenges. Tragil continues to pursue her mission of impacting lives by sharing her story with the world.

Educational Achievements:

• In 1998 Associate degree from San Diego City College in Early Childhood Education
• In 2005 Bachelor’s degree at Chicago State University with a Major in Elementary Education and a Minor in Psychology
• In 2014 Ministerial License
• In 2015 Certification in Transformational Foundation, Grants and Strategies, Principals in Leadership and Board Building at the University of Notre Dame
• In 2021 Trauma Informed-Care Specialist
• In 2021 Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance Advocate University
• In 2022 Life Coach Certification

Career/Professional Achievements:

• 2003 – 2005 Community High School – Personal Assistant and Teacher
• 2005 – 2007 Educate Empower Academy School (K-8) – Principal and Co-Founder
• 2007 – 2009 CSMG – Sports Marketing
• 2009 – 2019 Creative Artist Agency – Sports Client Management
• 2006 – 2017 Wades World Foundation – Executive Director
• 2017 – Present CEO/Founder – America’s Big Sisters Foundation

Honorable Mentions:

• 2013 – BET Humanitarian Award
• 2013 – Woman of Distinction Award
• 2014 – Woman of Excellence – Chicago Defender
• 2015 – Humanitarian Award – Steve & Marjorie Harvey
• 2015 – Path to Possibility Award – Options for Youth
• 2015 – Leaders Recognizing Leaders Award
• 2016 – Champion for Children – Café Mocha
• 2017 – Survivors Stroll Award – Hosana 4 Youth
• 2018 – Dr. Rita Marley Ambassador Award – Female Development World Organization
• 2019 – Trailblazer Award – Chicago Business Exchange
• 2021 – Making a Difference Award – Mindful Sport Performance
• 2021 – Joe Biden Presidents Award – Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University
• 2021 – Joe Biden Presidents Award – Global International Alliance

In 2020, Tragil married Edward Johnson receiving two bonus children Areyonna and Prince.