Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK Enessa Carbone, in-house counsel, Carbone Automotive Group. Portrait done at the #3 Mill in New York Mills on Monday, September 10, 2001.

By MARY MARCHIO
Observer-Dispatch

Whether it’s juggling the demands of work, helping to raise money for the United Way of Greater Utica or taking her children to Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, Enessa Carbone loves to keep busy.

Carbone, mother of two young children, in-house counsel for Carbone Automotive Group and head of the Carbone Insurance Agency, thrives on new experiences and spending time with her children.

“I love to be challenged and love to be pushed,” she said.

Carbone, 39, of New Hartford, is a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Syracuse University and Georgetown University Law Center.

“Community activities are a huge part of my life ... it’s very important to me,” said Carbone, who also is a board member for the Utica chapter of the American Red Cross.

She is working on the United Way of the Greater Utica Area’s major firms donations for this year’s campaign and ran the Boilermaker Road Race in July.

She has two philosophies that help guide her professional and personal life.

“Just keep moving and going forward ... despite any setback and do something you enjoy every day,” Carbone said.

The quote “Motherhood” inspires her to leave her children with roots and wings to help them become individuals.

Working with her brothers Joe and Don Carbone and cousin Alex Carbone at the Carbone Automotive Group is a nice advantage, she said.

The business was started by their grandfather, Joe Carbone, about 75 years ago on Bleecker Street. Today, the Carbone Automotive Group has extended dealerships in Boonville, Utica and Yorkville.

She was nominated for the Accent on Excellence award by her uncle, Al Carbone and Oneida County Family Court Judge Bernadette Romano.

“She is an extremely bright young lady and very hard working,” Al Carbone said. “Anything I’ve ever jumped into (involving community service) she’s right behind me.”

Romano said Carbone is a “dynamic” woman and one of the most genuine friends a person could have.

“She has energy and enthusiasm and gives 100 percent to any committee she is involved in,” Romano said. “She has a true devotion to her community.”

The emergence of professional women in the Mohawk Valley is something many should be proud of, Romano said.

“Their willingness to give back to the community is wonderful,” she said.

Carbone said she and fellow Accent on Excellence winner Valerie Jones are close friends.

“I have a strong support group of five professional women, it’s a great feeling,” she said.