I wish for each of you to experience one true inspirational person in your life.

I know of many people who are truly inspirational and even know some personally. One of them is Juanita Cosslett CPS. I have known Juanita since 2001, when I joined the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Man, was she intimidating! She knew parliamentary procedure, knew all about IAAP, and more. She mentored, cajoled, critiqued meetings, and touched many, many people. She was a Colorado-Wyoming-Montana Division President in 2000 and won a Distinguished President’s Award for increasing membership.

She truly believed that each member was unique and could do anything with the right guidance.

We traveled to several CWM Division meetings together for the last 9 years. One of the best trips was my first International Meeting in Albuquerque NM. They made the misguided assumption that I knew directions and let me drive part of the way home to Grand Junction, CO. Needless to say, we took an unintended side trip of about 100 miles – because I took a wrong turn. My friends now know that I get lost just going across the hallway to the bathroom.

She encouraged me to run for IAAP offices, including CWM Division President, a position I held from 2007-2009. The first virtual assistant to hold a division presidency. She loved IAAP and was strong in her belief that it was a member’s organization and not a business.

Juanita unexpectedly died on Christmas Eve, and I still expect her to jump up and say, “Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated!”

She touched so many people with her wisdom kindness and encouragement.

This is what Tish Neff says about Juanita:

“Juanita’s passing grieves me inexpressibly; I cannot hold back my tears. Her passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our organization.
Sorrow fills our hearts at this moment; a sorrow that is very deep and personal for many of us.

I shall always remember Juanita for her integrity, her boundless enthusiasm for whatever task she took in hand, and for the warm and glowing brightness and courage of her friendship. She was so generous with giving her knowledge and support to others.

May I join in extending to her family, her friends, and to the members who knew her my heartfelt sympathy, and my prayers…”

Nancy Upchurch CPS/CAP says:

“Juanita will be missed by so many because she touched so many lives. She was a very special lady and a great mentor to members in the CWM Division. I cherish the memories with her. One that stands out is the IAAP Road Warriors when she was Division President. We ventured to Cody and Gillette, Wyoming, in blizzard conditions to assist in their IMPACT meetings. We were often times in knee-deep snow and unable to see the edge of the roads…but we had great quality time together, helped build those two chapter, and had so much fun…just one of the memories that will last a lifetime. My heart goes out to her family at this difficult time. I know we have another angel to watch over us…a very special angel. Thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

May you touch another person in some way today that inspires them!

Godspeed my friend!