The Evolution of the Ada Awards
The Evolution of the Ada Awards: Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of selecting individuals annually to receive the prestigious Ada Award. In 2022, we honored Jill and Russ—not only for their incredible care and support throughout my breast cancer journey but also for standing beside me as champions of my visions, desires, and dreams. In 2023, the prestigious Ada Award was presented to Hattie Smith, a woman whose belief in me and the vision of A Place Called Love has been unwavering. Her dedication to uplifting and honoring breast cancer thrivers has been a true source of inspiration. In 2024, we recognized Victoria Zelin, a steadfast supporter who has stood by my side for over 30 years. Her relentless encouragement, unwavering faith in my journey, and willingness to share my story with the world have been a powerful force in my life. Each of these honorees embodies the essence of the Ada Award—selfless support, belief, and the power to uplift and inspire. This award is deeply personal to me—it is named in honor of my mother, Ada, who passed away when I was just 21 years old. She was my rock, my guiding light, and the one person who not only believed in my dreams but pushed me forward to pursue them, even when I doubted myself. Her unwavering support shaped the person I am today, and I have carried her love and wisdom in my heart through every triumph and every challenge. The Ada Award was created to celebrate those extraordinary individuals who, like my mother, have been a source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration in someone’s life. Up until now, I have personally chosen the recipients, in my life, but my vision has always been to expand its reach—to give others the opportunity to honor the people in their lives who have lifted them up, believed in them, and propelled them toward their destiny. With that goal in mind, I am thrilled to announce that we are officially opening the Ada Award for public nominations. This means that anyone who has been profoundly impacted by someone’s love and support will now have the chance to recognize them with this distinguished honor. The Ada Award is more than just an accolade—it is a tribute to the legacy of those who have shaped our lives in meaningful ways, and it is my dream to see it become a recognized category in mainstream awards programs under the title The Ada Legacy Award.
Ms. Queen Ada Watson-Hood, was immensely blessed as the mother of 7 children that expanded her legacy to greatness. At the tender young age of 9 she recognized the extraordinary talents of her daughter, Missouri. After viewing Missouri’s cardboard fashion show on their dining room table, featuring garments Missouri had designed and made by hand for her Barbie doll, Ms. Queen knew that it would be essential for her to cultivate and nurture her daughter’s gifts so she would excel.
Queen Ada knew that by empowering and inspiring Missouri to live her dreams out loud and teaching her to never give up, Missouri would develop incredible endurance and be positioned for greatness. Giving her daughter’s sympathetic personality, Ms. Queen knew Missouri would find a way to empower others along her journey, following in her mother’s footsteps.
The Ada Awards symbolize and capture Ms. Queen and her ability to plant and nurture the spirit of drive and determination in young Missouri. The spirit of knowing that no matter who comes, stays or leaves, never ever give up on yourself. Ms. Queen has been the driving force in Missouri’s life because she not only believed in her daughter, she propelled her daughter forward, with Ordinary Words as well as Extraordinary Actions.
This prestigious award is intended to serve as a catalyst for positive change and progress by establishing excellence, increasing prestige, inspiring innovation, enhancing collaboration and supporting development.
Our future goal is for The Ada Awards to become a global award that is presented to individuals for their extraordinary commitment and accomplishments of inspiring and supporting the dream in others.
If you have an Ada Award recipient in your life, and you would like to nominate them, click on the above or below form and submit. A representative will respond with 48 hours.
