While hosting the recently held Arit Fuller Foundation Inc’s Gala Dinner Druise in New York, Jamaican-American model Camille McDonald was surprised with a proclamation and citation from Senator Kevin Parker and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke respectively.

McDonald, who has a BA in advertising from Howard University, was born to Jamaican parents in New York but grew up in St Thomas for a short time with her maternal great grandmother. She has appeared on Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model series, and has done several philanthropic initiatives over the years.

On the weekend, she told Observer Online how surprised she was when she received the proclamation and citation at the gala dinner which was held at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 4, 58th Street in Brooklyn.

“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! It was a spectacular moment, a warm spotlight where I was filled with humility and joy,” McDonald said.

“I’m so grateful to be recognised for the work that I have done and will continue to do as an impactful global citizen,” McDonald continued. “I care about representation, culture, and giving back. As a clear reminder that small steps can result in meaningful recognition, it’s a nod to the community, to the bridges between the US and the international diaspora like Jamaica, and to the idea that celebrating where you come from and your ancestry can inspire others.”

Asked what the accolades meant to her, McDonald said, “A new day to save and pave the way! It puts true meaning to my phrase “BeSignature!”

Dubbed “Miss Signature Walk,” McDonald who is also a humanitarian, youth advocate, and confidence coach reflected on America’s Next Top Model series, one of the highlights of her enduring career.

“As a Caribbean-American, to know that my face and attitude are broadcasted in places like Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and throughout Southeast Asia, in addition to the US and European regions, is quite huge,” McDonald said.

“I have been visible and excelling in this industry for quite some time now. Upon leaving, I pushed my way through to sign with MAJOR MODEL MANAGEMENT in Milan and traveled the world as a professional model. The big attraction to the show was the prizes: a contract with IMG Models; a fashion spread and cover of Jane magazine; and a cosmetics campaign with Sephora!” she continued. “Although I didn’t win, I feel like I won in real life because I hit these prize marks. I just want it to be known that America’s Next Top Model opened the door of exposure for me, but it did not give me work in the fashion industry due to my contract.”

Noting that it “defined” her, McDonald said she “had to push through the stereotype to succeed in becoming a true top model.”

She added, “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. I remain steadfast with a high vibration of positivity.”

Proud of her Caribbean heritage, McDonald was the spokesperson for the Caribbean Student Association while at university.

“During my time there, I was instrumental in creating the first study-abroad programme between Howard University and the University of the West Indies (UWI). I saw a need for Caribbean students, specifically Jamaicans, to get the right accreditation for their classes and graduate on time,” she said. “Many were being left back or could not graduate on time, and most financially could not finish school. Championing for our international students became a reality. While I was at UWI, I soaked up community, culture, the art of storytelling, and my history. Moreover, UWI taught me how to stand strong in a crowd by staying grounded. This, to me, is iconic.”

Post-Hurricane Melissa last year, McDonald got into philanthropic charity work, where she assisted in the distribution of essential goods and items.

“More specifically, I assisted in the distribution of 100+ care packages for women and children across the island for Hurricane Melisa relief. Although Hurricane Melisa is no longer in the media, the people of Jamaica are still affected and are still in need of help. That was my mission: to travel across the island with my daughter Kennedy, where we partnered with other organizations such as Healing Horizons and Pickney and Friends, to name a few, and where I gave directly to underserved communities,” McDonald explained.

An entrepreneur at heart, McDonald is gearing up to launch her line of premium luxury coconut water under Rasta Goodness Foods LLC. Next summer, she will launch her Signature Walk Model Boot Camp in Jamaica and two other Caribbean countries.

In November, she is set to host the Jamaica International Fashion Week at Island Village in Ocho Rios.