Thomas Leonard Award
On Friday 5/17/13, I was honored to receive the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award. This is a pinnacle of my career and one I will always remember.
The Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award is given by the Online International Virtual Assistant Conference. This award is to honor a Virtual Assistant who has been in business for at least 5 years and who has contributed to the industry in such a way that he or she has provided a positive impact on many others and helped them to build a successful business. Further, they may have led a VA organization or activity; written a book or other publication specifically to help other VAs; or any other impact that has helped the industry grow.
Seventeen years ago (in June!) I sat at a tiny desk, with a small CRT monitor and second-hand computer. Through the last seventeen years my office has changed locations several times (including the last change to Pennsylvania!) and at times has grown smaller or larger depending on the location, and my computers have gotten much better . (I live for screen real estate!)
Virtual assisting has been life altering for me. I tell people that virtual assisting saved my life, and there was a point in my life where I know it did. My virtual assistant friends gave me the courage I needed to change a bad situation, and in doing so, I found a peace and a sense of joy I’ve been wanting all my life.
Now, being honored with this award, I have trouble conveying how amazing it is. I can hear my friends all saying, “Kathy at a loss for words????” I am at a loss for words. Perhaps it hasn’t completely sunk in yet. The most I can say is I’m honored, and thrilled (and I’m glad you can’t see me doing the happy dance all over my office!).
Thank you to my husband Michael for always supporting me in everything I do and try, the OIVAC Awards Judging Panel, the Steering Committee, Sharon Williams for being such a great founder of the OIVAC, Janice Byer for always letting me run stuff by her (you’re my best bud Janice!), and to my three guardian angels: Fred, Janet and Clara.
~ Kathy McCabe
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