It was an idea borne to Jacqueline Duncan in February 2001 as she recuperated at home after having surgery.

For Duncan, a Bowie resident, that time of healing proved to be more than a restoration of physical health. As her body healed, she still wanted to keep busy.

Unable to leave her house, Duncan said she made a request to God to give her something to do. That is when the idea of Sisters Enhancing Sisters was literally dropped in her lap by God, she said.

"People who know me know that I don't like to sit around and do nothing," Duncan said.

To get started, she invited friends from different professions--such as doctors, police officers and business owners--to talk about their professions with other women who are interested in those careers.

The seminars were held for women each month, and their popularity grew. In 2001, Sisters Enhancing Sisters became incorporated.

The vision of the group is to develop relationships that will last a lifetime and educate women in matters of business so they can achieve their goals.

"I love it because we are able to edify, encourage, enhance and educate women," Duncan said. "If you want to start a new business, we have people we can contact to come in to do a workshop to teach you how to make a business plan."

Guests who have shared their experiences with the women in the group include a speaker from Merrill Lynch to address the issue of investing and mutual funds and someone from Mary Kay Cosmetics to discuss dressing professionally and appropriate makeup tips.

And to help encourage the spiritual enlightenment of the group, ministers have come out to encourage members and pray with them.

Some of the other activities that the group offers are Virtuous Moms, a support group for women with children, a book club and Sisters Walking in the Spirit, a group that meets every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to enhance physical strength.

This year, Sisters Enhancing Sisters is holding a Phenomenal Woman of the Year Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Colony South Hotel and Conference Center, 7401 Surratts Road, Clinton. This is a formal event, and tickets cost $45. The deadline to submit a nomination for the award is Oct. 1. For complete information on the benefit, visit http://sistersenhancing.org/phenomenalwoman.htm.

To contact Duncan or to find out more about the organization, contact Sisters Enhancing Sisters Networking Fellowship Inc., PO Box 846, Bowie, MD 20718, or call 301-221-2142.

"The experience of Sisters Enhancing Sisters has been phenomenal because I am able to see women really take on their passion in life," Duncan said.