We recently connected with Yasmeen Duncan and have shared our conversation below.
Yasmeen , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For me, it started in my childhood living room, sitting across from my mother, who would often ask me who I wanted to be. She challenged me to see myself clearly, to dream in vivid detail. I would describe the woman I imagined: strong, impactful, someone who used her voice to make things better for others. These conversations became the earliest seeds of my purpose, even if I didn’t fully understand it yet. In high school, I felt the pull to serve women. I did not know the “how” or the “when,” but I knew the desire was genuine. That clarity deepened in 2018 when I was inspired by a divine calling to create& the Sisterhood Society for Women of Color. The name, the logo, the mission — they didn’t come from a strategy session; they came from within. It felt spiritual, urgent and True.
Once I realized my purpose was to help others, it created guard rails that shaped my path with discipline and intention. I became deeply committed to becoming the woman I was destined to be, and anything that threatened that vision had to go. That meant walking away from hobbies, friendships, relationships, even jobs that chipped away at the internal strength I was building. I wasn’t just protecting my peace, I was fortifying the armor I needed to lead, to serve, and to show up fully in my calling.
But purpose isn’t just about inspiration; it’s shaped by experience. I’ve walked the long road from an HR temp to a global C-suite executive. Along the way, I’ve often been the only Afro-Latina in the room, navigating corporate spaces not built for me, and learning how to thrive without compromising who I am. I’ve learned what it takes to succeed and stay internally at peace, as well as how to lead & authentically.
And now, my purpose is clear: to give other Black women the blueprint I didn’t have. Sisterhood Society for Women of Color exists to meet the tactical, emotional, and psychological needs of Black career women because I believe our success shouldn’t come at the cost of our authenticity, peace, or power.
Finding your purpose isn’t always a lightning strike. Sometimes, it’s a whisper from your younger self, one that grows louder over time until you can’t ignore it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Yasmeen Duncan — a Global Chief People Officer turned Executive Coach and Founder of Duncan Workforce Solutions, an HR consultancy helping organizations and senior leaders build aligned, people-first strategies that drive sustainable growth. I’m also the Founder of Sisterhood Society for Women of Color, a nonprofit committed to supporting the tactical, emotional, and psychological needs of Black career women.
My journey began as an HR temp and led me to the C-suite, where I often found myself as the only Afro-Latina in the room. Along the way, I learned how to lead authentically, navigate corporate systems not built for me, and succeed without compromising my well-being or identity. Now, I use that experience to help others do the same, whether I’m advising companies through complex transformations or coaching leaders through high-stakes decisions.
In 2018, I was divinely inspired to create the Sisterhood Society for Women of Color a safe and affirming movement for Black women to connect, and gain strategy to lead well and from an internally grounded place. We don’t just talk about empowerment — we offer the blueprint for it.
Through Duncan Workforce Solutions and Sisterhood Society, I stand at the intersection of business strategy, wellness, and equity. Everything I do is rooted in one belief & alignment with the woman I envision myself to be.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Self-Discipline
One of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been self-discipline. Once I became clear on the woman I was called to be, I had to make hard, intentional choices to protect that vision — even when it meant walking away from friendships, jobs, or opportunities that didn’t align. For anyone early in their journey: discipline isn’t about restriction; it’s about devotion. Get clear on your “why,” and let that guide your decisions daily.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Navigating complex workplaces, especially as the only woman of color and woman on the team in leadership, required more than credentials. It required the ability to read the room, manage emotions (mine and others), and lead with empathy and clarity. My advice: Don’t underestimate the power of self-awareness, active listening, and emotional regulation. These are not “soft” skills, they’re strategic tools for influence and longevity.
3. Strategic Vision
Being able to zoom out and see the bigger picture for my life, my work, and the people I serve has been critical. Vision helped me say yes to opportunities and no to distractions. It allowed me not just to build a career, but a legacy. For those just starting their careers, take the time to define success on your own terms. Dream boldly, then reverse-engineer your path with intention. Map out who you will need to become by outlining, what you will need to remove and what you will to acquire (mentally and emotionally) to become your ‘Future Self’.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m actively looking to collaborate with aligned partners and organizations. I’m seeking partnerships with companies in need of fractional HR leadership, especially those navigating growth, change, or cultural transformation. I also work with senior leaders seeking executive coaching that integrates leadership development with internal wellness, ideal for those ready to elevate their leadership with clarity, presence, and personal sustainability.
Additionally, I welcome collaborations with communities or organizations interested in co-hosting career empowerment events for women, particularly those centered on professional growth, authenticity, and well-being.
If you’re interested in partnering or exploring how we can work together, I’d love to connect. You can reach me at [your email or website] or through LinkedIn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sisterhoodsocietywoc.org, https://www.duncanworkforcesolutions.com
- Instagram: hey Sis_Society
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
Image Credits
Nicole Mondestin – Yellow dress headshot
Sameer Cooper – Pink suit headshot
