Spotlight COlorado  

Have You Met?

You learn so much about people when you work with them on a charitable event; and I learned a lot about Miriam Abreu this summer working with her on “Salt on the Rim” the fun summer garden party for the Kempe Children’s Foundation.

The refreshingly candid, and spiritual, Miriam goes the extra mile and knows what it takes to make an event successful. She certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations with her determination, focus and drive which – along with commitment - are the necessary components to make any event a success. Miriam also has a fabulous fun-side; and after the hard work is done, you find out what an inquisitive mind she has - along with a delightful sense of humor.

Miriam is enjoying semi-retirement now; but for years, she had her own niche marketing business working with such clients as Panasonic, Citizens - and other giants in the electronic industry.

Miriam is an avid reader and is very involved in spiritual studies, yoga, and helping others that need a hand. Miriam and her husband, Ron, are both “news junkies” and Miriam says: “We stay curious about life and enjoy learning about new and different things.”

Miriam loves living in Colorado and gratefully says: “My heart is in Colorado, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” With her admirable and almost flawless work ethic, Miriam balances it all out by adding these words of wisdom: “We are all just human, and nothing is perfect.”

Miriam Abreu is an outstanding member of any team she is part of; and all of us who worked with her on the planning committee for this year’s highly successful “Salt on the Rim” applaud her and look forward to working with Miriam again.

If you can talk Miriam out of semi-retirement to work on your event, rest assured you are getting the cream of the crop that does what she says she will do. As Miriam likes to say: “It is what it is,” and we say to that: “Miriam Abreu is solid as a rock.”

Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? My Aunt Georgia. She was intellectual, spiritual, a great writer, and a big influence in my life.

What words best describe your life right now? Peaceful – and challenging all in one breathe.

What charitable organizations are you – or have recently been - involved with? Of course - Kempe, Cancer Society, and Volunteers of America. Ron and I also attend many fundraising events.

Is there a non-profit event you really look forward to attending each year? The ICON Awards put on by Colorado Expression. They give a big percentage of the ticket prices to a charity that is actually chosen that evening.

What is your fondest childhood memory? Visiting my aunt on her farm along with my brother and grandmother. We went swimming in the swimming hole, fishing for craw-daddies, picked blackberries, went to ice cream socials - and brought the cows in from the field for milking. It was absolutely a blast!

What is your idea of a perfect vacation? I love history, and I love different cultures, so I would love to go to India or Egypt - or Dubai. They are all fascinating countries with lots to see and learn about.

What are your favorite leisure time activities? Tennis & Yoga.

Is there a special “aha” moment in your life when you knew “I get it now!”? I’m still waiting for that “aha” moment….

Is there a saying, or motto, that is your favorite? “Most people are as happy as they make up their mind to be,” which means, it’s all about choice - and we do have a choice.

What is your favorite book of all times? “The Power of Positive Thinking” by the great Norman Vincent Peale. It’s very profound, and it changed the way I look at things.

What magazine do you absolutely love to read? I like to cook, so I would say: “Cooks Illustrated” or “Bon Appetite”.

Do you have a ‘fashion addiction’? I love shoes, love handbags - and silver jewelry.

What is your most treasured possession and the item you would grab if (heaven forbid) your house was on fire?The Wedgwood Pitcher that belonged to my Aunt Georgia.

When you have to have a (decadent) snack, what would it be? Coconut Cream Pie!

What is your biggest fear? That I will depart this earth not having made a difference.

What do you like the most about yourself? I’m very giving and understanding - and honest. I’m always searching why and how we got here, and I love learning about life.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Having three wonderful children that are really good people.

What’s in the future for Miriam Abreu? Travel, sharing time with friends and family.

What would you still like to learn how to do? I want to learn another language like French or Spanish. I love doing things that stimulate the brain.

Do you believe you are where you are supposed to be in life? On one hand, it’s not exactly where I want to be, but on another hand, it’s where I’m supposed to be.

How do you want to be remembered by future generations? I would want them to know that I loved them dearly and always tried to encourage them to see the bigger picture in life. Also, that education - and doing things for others is so important.