Vangela Wade
Vangela M. Wade is an attorney and dedicated advocate for equity and social justice, committed to advancing community-driven change through leadership and service.
From 2020 to 2024, she served as president and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ), a nonprofit, public-interest law firm focused on racial, social, and economic justice. During her tenure, she helped guide the organization through a major internal restructuring, expanded its programming, strengthened its infrastructure, and broadened its influence at the state and national levels. Under her leadership, MCJ’s capacity grew, enabling it to make a greater impact in communities across Mississippi.
Vangela’s legal career includes experience as a law clerk for the Mississippi Court of Appeals, a special prosecutor for the Madison/Rankin County District Attorney’s Office, and a corporate defense attorney specializing in employment law. She has also served as an adjunct law professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law and worked as a consultant, helping corporations and nonprofits navigate diversity and fair employment practices.
Her leadership and contributions have earned broad recognition, including an appointment in 2024 to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Planning Committee for Empowering Justice 40 Communities. She has been honored with the Nonprofit HR 2024 Social Impact Women to Watch Award, Magnolia Bar Association Legal Services Award, Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyers Association Attorney of the Year, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law’s Edwin D. Wolf Award, and the National Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Division 50th Anniversary Impact Award.
She has served on several local boards, including Mississippi Today, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, and Operation Shoe String. She remains engaged with Mississippi Today as a member of its Advisory Board. Her contributions have been recognized both locally and nationally, including honors from the Magnolia Bar Association, Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyers Association, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. Under her leadership, MCJ received national recognition for its advocacy and impact.
In 2021, the Black Voices for Black Justice Fund honored Vangela for her commitment to addressing systemic racism. That same year, she was invited to join the International Women’s Forum (IWF), a network of accomplished women from various fields, including business, government, civil rights, and the arts.
Vangela is an alumna of Leadership Jackson and a member of the Mississippi Bar. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University and her law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
She lives in Madison with her husband, Thandi Wade, a shareholder in the law firm of Tatum and Wade, PLLC. They have three sons—Ryan Young, Christian Wade, and Garrison Wade. A cancer survivor, an engaged wife and mother, an avid traveler, and a passionate sports fan, she values family, community, and opportunities to explore new perspectives.