Dr. Hope Candace Bradley Richardson was born in Saint Kitts/Nevis. She enjoyed imparting knowledge, and encouraging family, friends and associates to make wiser decisions. She earned a Bachelors degree from the City University, a Masters degree from Teachers College Columbia University, a second Masters degree in Psychology from Yeshiva University and a doctorate from Yeshiva University. Dr. Richardson facilitated a collaborative mentoring course for Bronx Community College students and their proteges, at risk students in the University Heights high school. Her earliest ambition was to become a teacher and teach she did. She taught students from kindergarten to college.
On July 8th 1999, then president David P. James made the motion to form an association to support and promote mentoring wherever it occurs. Dr. Hope Richardson seconded that motion and the International Mentoring Association (formerly named National Mentoring Association) was birthed. Dr Richardson’s tenure with the board was from 1988 through 1999. She was a founding member, an active executive board member, and a conference leader with the Association. The untimely death of Dr. Richardson in April, 2000, prompted the International Mentoring Association board to establish the “Hope Dissertation Award” to honor her memory.