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.