14 Aug Wade Announces Planned Departure from MCJ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2024
Press Contact:
Tara Y. Wren
twren@mscenterforjustice.org
601-487-7504
Mississippi Center for Justice Announces Leadership Transition
with Planned Departure of President and CEO Vangela M. Wade
Jackson, MS—Today, the Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) announced Vangela M. Wade’s planned departure as President and CEO. Wade will remain in her role until a new President and CEO is appointed, ensuring continued stability for the organization amid the transition. The nationwide search for MCJ’s new President and CEO will commence within the coming weeks, with internal and external candidates being considered. Until then, Wade will continue to serve with the same commitment and focus that has characterized her tenure.
“Leading the Mississippi Center for Justice has been a profound honor, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made toward equity and justice in Mississippi and beyond,” said Vangela M. Wade, President and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice. “When I accepted this role, I had concrete goals in mind, and I’m proud to say those goals have been achieved, and then some.”
Wade continued: “Over the past four and a half years, we’ve worked tirelessly to combat injustice—whether it’s empowering and protecting land ownership against predatory developers through our Heirs’ Property advocacy, supporting Black farmworkers in the Delta facing discrimination, or identifying educational disparities exacerbated by COVID-19 and implementing resources for students with learning disabilities in historically underserved school districts. While stepping down is bittersweet, I’m confident the organization is strong and ready for the next visionary leader, and I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition that will elevate MCJ to even greater heights.”
Wade’s leadership as President and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice has been transformative. Since 2020, under her guidance, MCJ has experienced substantial growth and stability, with key leadership roles filled and a solid financial foundation, including the creation of an endowment fund. Her commitment to raising awareness and driving change has been pivotal in advancing social justice in Mississippi and nationwide. Her efforts have elevated MCJ’s national profile and influence and laid a strong foundation for its future, positioning MCJ for continued success and growth.
“We cannot thank Vangela enough for her vision and leadership, which has brought MCJ to previously unthinkable new heights,” said Mississippi Center for Justice Board Chair Walter H. Boone. “Thanks to Vangela and her mighty team, MCJ is perfectly poised for our next great leap forward to bring racial, economic, and social justice to disenfranchised Mississippians.”
“What a joy and privilege it has been for me, as an MCJ founder, to experience Vangela’s transformative leadership,” said Martha Bergmark, MCJ’s first President and CEO and current board member. “MCJ’s next leader will be fortunate to stand on her shoulders.”
Vangela will be honored at the upcoming Champions of Justice event on September 26th in recognition and celebration of her leadership. This signature annual event, which will be held at The Westin Jackson, will not only recognize Vangela’s contributions but also serve as a catalyst for investment in the long-term mission of MCJ through the endowment fund. For more information on this year’s Champions of Justice reception and awards event, please contact Tosha Taylor at ttaylor@mscenterforjustice.org
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The Mississippi Center for Justice is dedicated to dismantling the state’s culture of inequity and injustice. Supported and staffed by attorneys and other professionals, the Center develops and pursues strategies to combat discrimination and poverty statewide.