She is the only chocolatier in America to create and nationally distribute American-made praline liqueur candies.
FREDERICKSBURG, TX, August 31, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lecia Colette Duke has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
During the early stages of her career, Ms. Duke worked as a publications draftsman for Kentron Hawaii Ltd., where she maintained responsibility for the preparation of camera-ready artwork for all on-board flight data of the Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz programs. She subsequently served as a draftsman for Taft Architect and Cunningham Associates. Between 1975 and 1980, she worked on a number of award-winning restoration projects in Galveston's Historic Strand, and prepared structural and civil engineering project documentation.
Driven to expand upon her expertise, Ms. Duke earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Houston and began as an intern architect and designer for Morris Aubrey Architects. Despite graduating first in her class, she was not paid as much as her male counterparts and decided to leave the industry. However, she continued as an architectural and graphic director for R.C. Mathews Construction while fostering a chocolate business. Backed by her professional experiences, she presently excels as the president and founder of Quintessential Chocolates Co. Inc., which specializes in liquor-filled chocolates. In addition to overseeing accounting, purchasing, payroll, production and shipping, Ms. Duke also conducts research and development for upcoming products.
In order to remain aware of changes in the field, Ms. Duke aligns herself with the Native American Business Alliance and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Dedicated to serving on behalf of others, she has also contributed to her community as a secretary to the Fredericksburg Inter-Tribal Powwow Committee and as an approved Native American student and volunteer for the Texas Archaeological Society Field School. For her professional achievements, she received the Texas Foundation of Architect's Rae Jacobs Scholarship, the American Institute of Architecture's Award of Excellence, the PIAS Graphic Design Award, five awards for excellence through the Fine Beverage & Food Federation and the Waste Reduction Award from the Department of Public Works in Kitsap County. Additionally, Ms. Duke received several American Taste Awards through the American Tasting Institute and earned the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for Innovation through the National Association of Women Business Owners.
While her career has been filled with standout moments, Ms. Duke is most proud to have raised her daughter, Jesse, a 34-year-old doctor of veterinary medicine. Professionally, she takes pride in creating and growing her business, Quintessential Chocolates, and in being the only chocolatier in America to create and nationally distribute American-made praline liqueur candies. Looking toward the future, Ms. Duke intends to write and publish her personal story to chronicle her journey from frustrated intern to chocolatier.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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