Centex Homes’ Phoenix Award
Diane Furie
by Connie Thompson

Diane Furie, sole owner of Diane Furie Event and Meeting Planning, began her business 12 years ago after moving to Albuquerque from Chicago, where she sold advertising space for a women’s business directory. While working in Chicago, clients constantly asked if she would train them to better manage their marketing, as her salesmanship was stellar.

“They would ask me, and I really enjoyed helping women learn how to grow their business.” A natural with people, Diane loves to plan and facilitate events such as anniversary celebrations, marketing gatherings, and other networking opportunities. “Marketing is everything for a small business.” Her enthusiasm is contagious, and nothing can stop her once she has a plan—not even back surgery and the paralysis that followed.

“It was the most painful thing I could imagine,” Diane says. “I knew at that time I had the choice to walk again or just forget about it!” Diane worked hard in physical therapy and went from being wheelchair bound to using a walker in a matter of weeks. The final obstacle came when she fell and broke her pelvis. “I had to start all over again.”

This type of injury would stop most anyone —man or woman—from doing business. But not Diane, who continued to plan events from her hospital bed. “I am a persistent woman. I just took one day after the next.” Diane is now walking (again!) with the help of a walker and hopes soon to be walking on her own. Fortunately, Diane received great support from her husband, family, and hospital staff during this trying time.

Fearlessness moved Diane to see the up side of everything she has been through. Not only has Diane done a terrific job in building her business, helping other women to excel, but she has been—and is—involved in leadership with many organizations. On March 30, Diane received the Phoenix Award at the New Mexico WOMAN Top 25 Luncheon. Truly, Diane is an inspiration to us all.

Connie Thompson is a writer, director, and producer of creative, corporate, and motivational video scripts, articles, and press releases. Contact her at (505) 994-1977, or at ultimediasavvy@aol.com.