Her Story
About Carmen
Carmen Carrion serves as Program Director at Uncommon Threads, a nonprofit organization in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she oversees an eight-member team and leads programs dedicated to supporting women facing challenging circumstances, including domestic violence and losses resulting from house fires. Through the organization’s signature services, women receive clothing, accessories, and personalized support designed to provide a dignified experience while helping restore confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Carrion brings a strong commitment to creating programs that uplift women and strengthen their sense of possibility during times of transition.
Before joining Uncommon Threads, Carrion built a 25-year corporate career with Comcast, advancing into senior leadership after working across six departments and participating in the company’s professional development programs. She became the only woman and Latina in her organization to reach her level of leadership, reflecting a career shaped by perseverance, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Alongside her nonprofit leadership, Carrion has developed a parallel career in health and lifestyle coaching. She became a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has spent approximately six years working as a lifestyle coach. She also co-runs Passion and Purpose Elevated, a program focused on supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs.
Carrion’s educational background includes studies in business at Northern Essex Community College, paralegal studies at Hesser College, project management certification through Merrimack College, and a bachelor’s degree in business from Merrimack College. She continues to expand her knowledge through online education in nonprofit subjects, including grant writing and sponsorship development. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is a member of the Women’s Business League and remains actively involved in her church, supporting its women’s group, youth initiatives, and family events. Carrion credits much of her professional development to hands-on experience and the guidance of mentors, particularly Jacqueline Gadsden. She believes that combining practical experience with formal education, professional certification, and mentorship provides a strong foundation for individuals pursuing careers in coaching and service-oriented leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carmen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, strong leadership, and the support of mentors who recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue opportunities for growth. I am especially proud of advancing to the senior director level as one of the few female and Latina executives in my previous corporate organization. A significant part of my professional development was having Jacqueline Gadsden as both a mentor and sponsor, whose guidance, advocacy, and belief in my capabilities helped me navigate my career and reach important milestones.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to invest in both practical experience and formal education. Through mentoring and coaching women in my women’s entrepreneurship group, I have seen the importance of building a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and appropriate certifications. If you are considering becoming a coach, understand that personal success alone does not necessarily qualify someone to coach others. Developing genuine expertise through experience, education, and proper training will help you establish credibility, serve others effectively, and build a sustainable career.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are continuous learning, personal growth, service, and community. My educational background spans business, paralegal studies, project management, and health coaching, and I have continued developing professionally through Comcast University over the course of my career. During my 25 years with my previous company, I worked across six different departments, which gave me valuable hands-on experience and helped me build a broad range of skills. I remain committed to learning through online courses in areas such as nonprofit management, grant writing, and sponsorships. Outside of work, I value community and service through my involvement with the Women’s Business League and my church, where I lead a women’s group and help organize family events.
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