Tempe Boys & Girls exec awarded national honor

Ty Young
The Arizona Republic
May. 27, 2006

Boys & Girls Clubs of America gave a national award to its Tempe branch executive, making her the first in the state to receive the award.

Michelle Duenas, branch executive of the Ladmo Branch in Tempe, was awarded the 2006 National Professional Development Award of Excellence. The award recognizes an individual who has promoted the vision of the organization.

"I was actually very surprised," Duenas said. "Maybe state and regional awards, but national? No way."
 
Duenas, 39, has worked at the Tempe branch for 13 years. She made her mark with the organization as a staff trainer, teaching future club leaders in all 21 branches in the state.

Last year the branch was chosen for a pilot project called Youth for Unity, a youth curriculum focused on diversity. For her effort, Duenas earned the 2005 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth for Unity Leadership Award for the Pacific Region.

"Michelle always strives for excellence to provide the best and most innovative programs to the children we serve, and this award recognizes that," said Ramon Elias, president and chief executive officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley. Although the Arizona State University graduate wants to stay in the Valley, Duenas said she plans to continue moving up the Boys & Girls Clubs of America ladder.

"I'd really like to travel to other branches throughout the country and train staff," she said. "I really believe in the principles of this organization."