Honor Carmen Duncan Award

Senate Resolution No. 152 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Carmen Duncan upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the WERCing Woman of Achievement Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center on October 4, 2016 WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the communities across New York State is reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the advancement of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Carmen Duncan upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the WERCing Woman of Achievement Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center, to be celebrated at its 12th Annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, The Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is a not-for-profit organization which assists women in improving significant self-attributes in order to successfully rejoin the workforce; every year, this vital organization provides services to at least 300 women in the Capital District; and WHEREAS, The WERCing Woman of Achievement Award is presented to Carmen Duncan, an amazing woman whose career path has been filled with unique transitions, unexpected challenges, opportunities to take risks, and who serves as an excellent role model for women served by WERC; and WHEREAS, Carmen Duncan earned her Associate in Liberal Arts degree from Maria College, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Sage Colleges of Albany; she furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Social Welfare degree with a concentration in MACRO social work from the University at Albany; and WHEREAS, Carmen Duncan's unique life experience of teenage homelessness and living in the suburbs and inner city affords her the ability to relate to various socioeconomic groups; inspired by mentors who graciously invested in her at vulnerable stages of her life, she is committed to paying it forward by investing in the professional development of the Millennial generation; and WHEREAS, In December of 2012, Carmen Duncan, a social entrepreneur, founded Mission Accomplished Transition Services; for almost four years, this vital non-profit organization has strived to prepare aspiring young professionals for the global economy by providing access to coaching, job training and professional development; and WHEREAS, In addition to her invaluable work with Mission Accomplished, Carmen Duncan serves on the Capital District chapter Board of the New Leaders Council, and acts as a mentor with the Sponsor-A-Scholar program; she is also an appointed member of the NYS Runaway and Homeless Youth Act Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her community, Carmen Duncan was recently acknowledged by The Black Women's Association of Albany as a Woman of Distinction and the Albany Business Review as one of the top "40 under 40" up-and-coming executives who will shape the future; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Carmen Duncan has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Carmen Duncan upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the WERCing Woman of Achievement Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Carmen Duncan.