About Me

Hi, I'm Arkia Wade!

Arkia Wade is a community builder, nonprofit leader, and advocate for intergenerational connection who has proudly called Dundalk home for over 13 years.

Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Arkia’s connection to Dundalk runs deep. Her grandfather, Dr. William C. Wade Sr., began serving as a physician in Turner Station in 1944. For more than 70 years, her family has been dedicated to strengthening this community. Inspired by that legacy of service, Arkia made Dundalk both her home and her mission — continuing the work of uplifting historically significant neighborhoods through environmental justice, youth mentorship, arts enrichment, and support for older adults.

In 2022, following the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Arkia founded Neighborhood Companions Inc. What began as a simple “Adopt-a-Senior” initiative — offering companionship and free transportation to older adults who were missing critical medical appointments has grown into a thriving grassroots nonprofit. Today, Neighborhood Companions operates as a neighbor-helping-neighbor model focused on reducing isolation, expanding transportation access, fostering intergenerational programming, and hosting monthly community dinners that bring residents together.

Before launching her nonprofit, Arkia spent 23 years working for a major health insurance company. Her experience navigating healthcare systems, benefits administration, and patient access gave her firsthand insight into the barriers families especially older adults face when accessing care. That experience now informs her practical, solutions-driven approach to leadership.

Arkia holds a B.A. in Marketing and Sociology from the College of William & Mary. In 2023, she was honored as Baltimore County Commission for Women’s Woman of the Year in recognition of her leadership and community impact.

She currently serves as:
• President, Baltimore County Arts Guild Board
• Treasurer, Turner Station Conservation Teams
• Board Member, NeighborSpace Baltimore County
• Commissioner, Baltimore County Department of Aging
• Vice President, Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE)
• Girl Scout Troop #353 Leader

• Johns Hopkins Bayview Patient Family Advisory Council

She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Psi Phi Omega Chapter, serving East Baltimore City.

Through these roles, Arkia actively bridges youth and seniors through mentorship, service projects, community gardening, and cultural enrichment — strengthening the social fabric of Baltimore County one relationship at a time.

Her County Council platform focuses on:
• Helping older adults age in place with dignity, access, and community support
• Empowering youth through mentorship, leadership development, and opportunity
• Growing the local economy through job creation, workforce programs, and small business support
• Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development

Arkia Wade believes strong communities are built when generations connect, neighbors support neighbors, and leadership listens first. She is ready to bring that collaborative, community-first leadership to Baltimore County government.