Angela Duncan

For Angela Duncan, a 1991 graduate of the University of North Georgia (UNG), leadership has always been about service.

Now a Superior Court judge in Gwinnett County, Georgia, she previously served as a Gwinnett County Magistrate Court judge and in the U.S. Army Reserve. Her diverse experiences have helped the UNG alumna develop her own approach.

She prefers to set an example, with the military having taught her that she must be willing to do anything she asks of others.

"Many look at others in leadership roles as having a lot of power, and that having power or authority is an enviable position," Duncan said. "If you are a true leader, the position is not about power, it's about doing for others."

She values the relationships and teamwork inherent in her current role. She said that investment in her co-workers makes the job more enjoyable for everyone.

"It's about everyone and accomplishing whatever our mission is," Duncan said. "They are not just team members, but they're family members."

Her father was an attorney, and by seventh grade, she knew she wanted to be in law enforcement or become a lawyer. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from UNG and a law degree from John Marshall Law School, then began practicing law. After serving as part-time judge for the city of Chamblee, Georgia, she "absolutely fell in love with" being a judge.

Duncan said UNG prepared her to see the bigger picture. Instead of getting too caught up in any single decision, she seeks to frame all of her actions into a broader context.

"You think beyond your initial action into what's going to happen as a result of that action," she said. "How is it going to affect other people?"

Duncan is openly gay, and wants members of the LGBTQ+ community to know they can be themselves and still have success. She doesn't consider herself a role model, but is glad others have drawn inspiration from her story.

"The reason it's so important is because it means others who are similarly situated see that you can work hard and be successful, that your sexuality is not a detriment," Duncan said. "I respect everybody's right to have their own opinion. People in the LGBT+ community thanked me for being fearless and not letting that be a deterrent. It's very humbling."