As a plethora of New York legislators and other dignitaries assembled on Labor Day Monday beneath a massive tent at the Lincoln Terrace Court in Crown Heights for the Pre-Caribbean Carnival Parade Breakfast of the 58th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, the organizing group, the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), bestowed special honor on Angela Cooper.
Cooper, a Tobago-born retired director of communications and public affairs and director of volunteer services at NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney in Brooklyn, was presented with the award by Dr. Ionie Pierce, WIADCA’s Jamaican-born treasurer and former chairperson.
“Angela Cooper is a philanthropist and active member of several community-based organizations, including WIADCA, where she has volunteered for nearly 10 years,” Dr. Pierce said. “Serving as an advisor, she also shares her talents in singing and decorating, with her melodious voice singing the national anthem and beautifully crafted centerpieces, which are admired year after year at breakfast.
“Beyond WIADCA, Angela extends her generosity to organizations and individuals both in the United States and her homeland of Tobago,” she added. “Her unwavering dedication to service has earned her numerous honors, including the US Presidential Volunteer Service Award, presented by President Joe Biden. She has also been recognized several times by Schneps Media, including being named a Power Woman.
“Professionally, Angela devoted 27 years to NYC Health + Hospitals, and she currently serves as president of the Trinbago Progressive Association of the USA,” Dr. Pierce continued. “She is deeply admired for her passion, commitment, and service to the community.”
Cooper, who is also founder and CEO of the Coral Reef Experience and public relations officer of the Tobago Empowerment & Alliance Mission, Inc. (T.E.A.M.), told Caribbean Life afterwards that she was “deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.
“To be acknowledged for my years of service and dedication to an institution that embodies our people’s spirit, culture, and creativity is truly heartwarming,” she said.
“Carnival is more than a celebration—it is heritage, expression, and community,” Cooper added. “To play even a small role in supporting its growth and ensuring its traditions live on has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
“My journey with the association has allowed me not only to serve, but to learn, to connect, and to witness the incredible power of culture to unite people,” Cooper continued. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the WIADCA for this honor. I accept it on behalf of all who continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our traditions alive.
“This recognition strengthens my resolve to keep serving with passion, dedication, and love for my community,” she said.
Cooper — affectionately known as Lady Cooper — is a dynamic force whose influence spans healthcare, community development, cultural ambassadorship, and the arts.
A humanitarian, youth mentor, cultural influencer, gospel artiste, writer, motivational speaker, and events administrator, Cooper embodies a life dedicated to service, empowerment, and excellence.
Determined to be a changemaker in eldercare and her community, Cooper said she chose to serve within one of the most impactful healthcare systems in the nation—NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney.
She said she began humbly as a service aide in the Food Services Department, later becoming the first employee at the facility to be promoted to coordinating manager. She ultimately rose to director of public affairs and communications and director of volunteer services while also serving as liaison to the Community Advisory and Auxiliary Board.
Cooper said her portfolio was vast, including overseeing customer service, the mail room, the beauty parlor, and all in-house and community-oriented events.
For more than 15 years, she said she guided and mentored over 800 young adults in the DYCD Summer Program, instilling values of discipline, respect, and service.
Cooper said her leadership shaped programs and events that holistically enhanced residents’ lives, ensuring they “lived their best lives.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite her own underlying conditions, Cooper said she never missed a day of work, ensuring that McKinney’s residents and over 450 staff remained “safe, nourished, and cared for.”
Beyond her distinguished career, Cooper has become a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s community life.
Tirelessly extending herself to community-based organizations—all pro bono—she has spearheaded landmark initiatives, including: Introducing a Caribbean-styled Christmas show at New York City Hall; implementing the Annual Trinidad & Tobago Independence Awards Event; leading Brooklyn’s first official inauguration ceremony for U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn; spearheading the Caribbean Diabetes Initiative in Tobago, where over 1,000 individuals received screenings, care, and essential medication; and hosting and lending her expertise to numerous events across Brooklyn, including the Schneps Media network.
A gifted performer in the gospel music genre, Cooper recently made history as the first Tobagonian to sing the National Anthem at an opening game at Maimonides Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones—another proud milestone for her island.
Her leadership continues through community organizations.
As president of the Trinbago Progressive Association of the USA (TPAUSA), Cooper said she helps disseminate vital health resources to marginalized communities in the US and Tobago.
As T.E.A.M.’s public relations officer, she chairs the annual Tobago Day event, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Cooper said her humanitarian reach extends back to her homeland, where she distributes care packages to nursing homes, provides school supplies to children, and hosts seasonal events for underserved families.
Her generosity, talent, and leadership have earned her admiration from residents, colleagues, and leaders.
She has been honored by community organizations, the New York City Council, State senators, the Brooklyn Borough presidents, the Mayor of NYC, and U.S. Rep. Clarke.
Among her most notable honors are: U.S. Presidential Lifetime Leadership Award (first Tobagonian recipient); Tobago Diaspora Award (first Tobagonian recipient); NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney’s first and only Distinguished Award; Schneps Media Healthcare Heroes Award; Schneps Media Caribbean Heritage Award; Schneps Media Caribbean Impact Award; Schneps Media Brooklyn Power Woman Award; and on Monday, Labor Day, Recognition Award from WIADCA for years of cultural service and dedication.
Cooper’s effervescent personality — often described as “magnetic, outspoken, bold, and compassionate” — continues to inspire, especially the youth she mentors.
She said she takes no credit for her achievements, giving all glory to her Higher Being, her Creator, her God.
Cooper said her story is “a true reflection of the immigrant journey.”
Arriving in New York in 1987 seeking growth and opportunity, she said she first worked as a housekeeper and nanny before securing her legal status.
A college graduate from humble beginnings, Cooper said her determination has always been to make herself, her family, and her island, the sister isle of the larger Trinidad, proud.
Cooper said her ultimate aspiration is simple yet profound: “To leave a legacy of service, love, and knowledge,” so that those who enter her space will be better off having encountered her.
Her guiding principle remains: “Whatever you learn, you teach.”
