Candice A. Lucas

She's a native of Brooklyn, NY, descended from Trinidad and president of Rochester-based True Networking Thursdays, a decade old African-American enterprise.

In 2004 President Candice A. Lucas attended her first TNT reception and quickly realized the value of networking. A month later she joined the organization and got involved. She was appointed secretary a few months later and in that position Lucas played an integral role in helping TNT increase its membership, launch its website, and diversify its sponsor base. Two years ago she elected to the presidency.

True Networking "has brought connections that have enhanced her professional life," she says. Among her goals are helping others understand the value of networking.
Other milestones in her career have included Assistant Director of the C.A.S.H. Coalition and its Senior Associate responsible for Volunteer Recruitment and Community Outreach. She worked with hundreds of volunteers in staffing the 13 C.A.S.H. free tax sites. Volunteer involvement increased 45 percent under her leadership increasing from 395 volunteers to 572 volunteers.
When she was promoted to Assistant Director at C.A.S.H. her responsibilities increased to developing and managing the Coach program. This program helps individuals and families achieve specific financial goals: credit repair, saving towards a goal, and/or homeownership. She was also responsible for the coalition's marketing and communication services, innovation, training and presentations throughout the community on the importance of asset building and financial self-sufficiency.

Candice Lucas holds an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology and a BS in Criminal Justice from R.I.T. The Democrat and Chronicle has recognized her as an Emerging African American Leader.

Among many communities activities -- among them work with Action for a Better Community, Catholic Family Center and Rochester Institute of Technology community activities -- Lucas is co-founder of Volunteers in Living Color, a community collaborative working to raise awareness of volunteer opportunities for people of color.

Candice lives in Rochester with her husband and two young children.