Faith in Action: In search of phenomenal people

For the fourth year, her organization is paying homage to hard-working Prince George’s County women through its Phenomenal Woman of the Year Award. This year also brings a first-time award for the newly formed organization, Men of Purpose, started iin 2005 by her husband, Phillip Duncan. Men of Purpose will present its first Leader of the Year award to an outstanding male member of the community.

Both organizations are accepting nominations through Sept. 30 for the awards to be presented during a banquet Oct. 27 at the Colony South Hotel and Conference Center located at 7401 Surratts Road in Clinton.

Jacqueline Duncan forwards nominations to a panel of community judges.

‘‘We ask leaders in local government and leaders in the religious community to be the judges,” she said.

Last year’s winner, Fort Washington resident Aleta Waters, will be on hand this year to crown this years winner.

Jacqueline Duncan, a pretty phenomenal woman in her own right, began Sisters Enhancing Sisters in February 2001 while recovering from an illness.

As she rested at home, she came up with the idea to help women and started inviting female friends from different professions to talk about their professions with other women interested in those careers or the services provided.

The seminars were held each month at her home, and their popularity grew, prompting the group to move to community centers. Guests who have shared their experiences include a speaker from Merrill Lynch, an investment firm representative who discussed investing and someone from Mary Kay Cosmetics who discussed dressing professionally and applying makeup appropriately.

‘‘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.

Duncan’s vision is help women develop relationships that will last a lifetime and educate them 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.

Tickets for the banquet cost $55 per person. Some of the proceeds for the evening will be donated to Breast Cancer research, according to Duncan.

To contact Duncan or find out more about the organization, visit www.sistersenhancing.org or call 301-221-2142. Nominations can be sent to P.O. Box 846, Bowie, MD, 20718.