MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

{ SHIFT+CONTROL }{ LUPUS CHICK }{ BLACK WOMEN ROC }{ A SPECIAL TRIBUTE }{ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED } YOU ARE ENOUGH. HELP PEOPLE CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOR THE BETTER

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

Mission Accomplished Transition Services, Inc. is a community-based organization in NY’s Capital Region. The company was founded in 2011 by “Coach” Carmen Duncan to bridge career transition gaps for rising young professionals and social entrepreneurs aged 13 to 35. or are homeless. We believe that there is no barrier to entry when it comes to pursuing a career you are passionate about, and no level of privilege that removes all challenges of these key life transitions for young people, and so our programs are open to all, no matter their background.

Our mission is to prepare rising young professionals and entrepreneurs for the workforce by providing access to industry specific coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship. Our programs challenge students to train for success, foster leadership skills to launch their careers or businesses, prepare for life transitions, and find their place in the business world.

Mission Accomplished collaborates with for-profit and nonprofit companies to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a successful future. In particular, we focus on 4 industries: fashion, construction, mural painting and interior design/decorating. These are industries and career paths where Black and Brown leaders are underrepresented. We utilize our extensive networks in priority industries and in the Capital Region to identify employer and community needs, and facilitate connections for our students. To date, we have successfully served over 3,000 students. Our students come from low to middle socioeconomic backgrounds, a variety of ethnicities, and some are involved with the juvenile and criminal justice systems, foster care, Key to the Mission Accomplished approach is our effort to help all students develop their social and

emotional intelligence. Through intensive mentorship, we support our students, many of whom lack a source of vital encouragement at home, as they gain confidence, develop their voice and leadership potential, utilize their connections to gain access to opportunities, and unapologetically pursue the careers they are most passionate about. We know that all young people have dreams and, no matter their station in life, they all deserve the support and guidance necessary to realize those dreams through concrete actions; they deserve caring mentors who will help guide them, celebrate their accomplishments, hold them accountable, and give them the support to face challenges and move past disappointments. This support, in combination with the training curricula we provide, is what drives our outcomes and attracts graduates of our programs back to Mission Accomplished to serve as mentors to peers and provide new connections as leaders in their industries and communities. Overall, our programs empower students to advocate for themselves, solve problems, take initiative, foster a collaborative mindset, and take pride in their work (whether they are pursuing employment or establishing a business)-- skills that will serve them in all areas of their personal and professional lives as they drive towards success.

We deliver our core training programs along two tracks: one for teens and one for early-mid career professionals. The teen track is open to all teens whether in traditional high school or not. The advanced track is for early-mid career young professionals aged 18-35 with 2+ years of experience in their desired industry, are coachable, seeking to help create a healthy community with their peers and have a commitment to advancing their careers within a company or to grow a small business.

Each track is structured in the following phases:

“Mission Accomplished Transition Services, Inc. is a community-based organization in NY’s Capital Region.”

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We prepare students for the career and business development experience they have agreed to partake in by helping them to identify and address negative self-talk motivated by past traumatic experiences. Helping students address taruma and negative self talk helps set the stage for a successful, transformational learning experience.

PHASE 2: Customer/Client Identification Students identify who their customer/ client is, why they are marketing and selling to this customer/client, and their passion behind working with these individuals. PHASE 3: Behind the Business of the Industry Students learn about many of the administrative and operational responsibilities and knowledge they must have to run a successful small business or be an irreplaceable employee within a company.

PHASE 4: Marketing + Brand Development Students further develop their brand as a professional and/or the brand of their company. business presentations, pitches, and networking.

Phase 6: Celebrate + Ignite We celebrate the students for all their hard work through an event showcasing their talent, goals and aspirations.

To learn more about our programs, sign up to volunteer, explore becoming an industry advisor who facilitates a session or apply to enroll in our programs visit our website at matransitionservices.org