Jamaican-American model Camille McDonald honored by New York lawmakers

Jamaican-American model and humanitarian Camille McDonald was recently honored by New York lawmakers during the Arit Fuller Foundation Inc. gala dinner in Brooklyn.

McDonald, who hosted the event, was surprised with a proclamation from New York State Sen. Kevin Parker and a citation from US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

The gala was held at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 4, on 58th Street.

“I was hired to host the event and was shocked when I was called to accept these accolades; receiving such distinctions was truly a surprise,” McDonald told Observer Online over the weekend. “It was a spectacular moment, a warm spotlight where I was filled with humility and joy.”

McDonald was born in New York to Jamaican parents and spent part of her childhood in St Thomas, where she lived with her maternal great-grandmother.

She holds a bachelor's degree in advertising from Howard University and is best known internationally for appearing on Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model.” After the show, McDonald signed with Major Model Management in Milan and pursued an international modelling career.

She said her appearance on the programme helped expose her to audiences in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe.

“Although I didn’t win, I feel like I won in real life because I hit these prize marks,” McDonald said, referring to the prizes offered on the show, including a modelling contract, fashion magazine exposure and a cosmetics campaign.

McDonald said her career on the programme also required her to overcome stereotypes associated with being a Caribbean-American model.

“It was a bright, formative chapter in my life that kept moving, and honestly, it still does — the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all,” she said.

Beyond modelling, McDonald has remained involved in initiatives focused on Caribbean culture, education, youth and philanthropy.

While at Howard University, she served as spokesperson for the Caribbean Student Association and said she helped establish a study-abroad programme between Howard and The University of the West Indies.

“I saw a need for Caribbean students, specifically Jamaicans, to get the right accreditation for their classes and graduate on time,” she said, adding that some international students faced financial difficulties and delays in completing their degrees.

McDonald has also participated in humanitarian efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa last year. She said she helped distribute more than 100 care packages to women and children across the island, travelling with her daughter, Kennedy, and partnering with organisations including Healing Horizons and Pickney and Friends.

“Although Hurricane Melissa is no longer in the media, the people of Jamaica are still affected and are still in need of help,” McDonald said.

She said the work reinforced her commitment to giving back to underserved communities.

McDonald is also preparing to launch a premium coconut water line under Rasta Goodness Foods LLC.

She plans to launch her Signature Walk Model Boot Camp in Jamaica and two other Caribbean countries next summer. In November, she is scheduled to host Jamaica International Fashion Week at Island Village in Ocho Rios.

Reflecting on her recent recognition, McDonald said the honours represented more than a personal achievement.

“I’m so grateful to be recognised for the work that I have done and will continue to do as an impactful global citizen,” she said. “I care about representation, culture, and giving back.”

“A new day to save and pave the way,” she added. “It puts true meaning to my phrase ‘BeSignature!’”