She has been communications/development director of the Seven Lakes Girl Scout Council, executive director of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, executive director of the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Auburn, and coordinator of human services for the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency.
An advocate in the public arena for the positive development of girls and women, she has received many awards and honors including the Unsung Heroine Award, presented by the Central New York N.O.W. Chapter and the New York State Governor's Award for African-Americans of Distinction.
Gwen has also received the Marjorie Dowdell Fortitude Award, presented to outstanding African-American women by the Syracuse Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Potsdam College added her name to the State University of New York Confederation Honor Roll, The Seven Lakes Girl Scout Council Woman of Excellence Award and the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairs Award.
