2014 RECIPIENT—CARMEN GAYTON

The Junior League of Seattle chose accomplished Seattle realtor and active community volunteer Carmen Gayton as the 2014 recipient of its prestigious Dorothy Stimson Bullitt Community Service Award.

Ms. Gayton is a graduate of Clemson University where she majored in Mathematical Sciences with minor in biology. She received the Trustees Medal for Public Speaking, served on the first board of the Clemson Women’s Council and was selected to Who’s Who Among Clemson Alumni.

She has consistently has gone above and beyond to improve the community and make a difference. Beginning in her home state of South Carolina, she participated in various beauty pageants to earn money to offset college expenses. She was the first African American to win the Miss Anderson title in her hometown. She went on to compete in the Miss South Carolina Pageant where she was the first-ever African American contestant in the pageant’s history. During the competition she was honored to win the Friendship Award, which was voted on by the contestants. Ms. Gayton traveled extensively throughout the state of South Carolina representing Anderson County at various festivals. She also was a finalist in the Miss South Carolina USA Pageant.

Ms. Gayton was appointed by Governor Inslee to the Seattle Colleges Board and she is currently board chair. She was selected as a 2014 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent, as well as a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent, and was recognized as a top-producing broker in 2014.

She has made and continues to make incredible contributions to the Seattle community; in addition to her active role on the Seattle Colleges Board, she currently serves as Gala and Auction Co-Chair for Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation, Inc. Her past board memberships include YWCA, PONCHO (Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations), The Lakeside Board and Northern Trust.

Ms. Gayton has actively been involved with numerous organizations including: Northwest African American Museum Gala Committee; Simon Fraser University Booster Club Co-Chair; O’Dea High School Mothers’ Club President, Co-Vice President and Marketing and Sales Committee and Graduation Committee; The Greater Seattle Chapter of The Links, Inc. President, Treasurer, Courtesy Chair, Evening of Enchantment Fundraising Co-Chair as well as various committees; Treehouse for Children Luncheon Co-Chair; Nelson Mandela Dinner Committee and the Seattle Symphony Musician’s Pension Fund to name a few.

To quote Carmen on her personal accomplishments, “I have the most AMAZING family and friends in the world. I am very lucky to have parents who have loved me unconditionally and have given me wings to soar. I am grateful for a loving and caring husband who challenges me and encourages me to be the best that I can be even when I am working 24/7 and he is not always #1. I could not be luckier than to be a mom to the most incredible young man in the universe who reminds me that life is filled with unexpected blessings and experiences. It is how one responds to life’s experiences that defines your character. As for my friends, they truly complete my life.”