I am Julie Boswell. I’ve lived in the USA for exactly 50 years. I always, since childhood, had a love of the USA.
What do you do for a living? What brought you down that path?
I am retired. My last job was COO of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance, now the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC. I retired after 20 years with EDC and the new organization.
Tell us something that makes you stand out from the crowd? This can be a talent, life-experience, unique hobby.
I am an immigrant from England. I came on a vacation, met my husband and stayed – a long vacation!
What is one experience that has shaped you to be the person you are today?
Being told I was unable to have children. It encouraged me to rethink how I can be a contributing member of society.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do what I did – don’t set limiting goals. Seize unanticipated opportunities.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? On what and why? (personal or professional)
I bought flowers for two friends. One is unwell and the other suffered the loss of a loved one.
What is the one book that you recommend our audience should read and why?
“A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains” by Isabella Bird. She was an English travel writer who traveled by horseback along the Front Range in 1873 and described life in great detail.
What is your favorite quote?
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” – Winston Churchill
This speaks to life’s lessons.
What local businesses would you recommend our readers support?
Palmer Park Service Station
Seventh Wave Car Wash
Kimballs
All businesses in Colorado Springs are likely to employ local residents, whether locally owned or not.
What local nonprofit would you recommend our readers support?
Support any non-profit that exists to help the vulnerable and is well run.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Dealing with issues facing my elderly father and dealing with COVID travel restrictions.
What is your most memorable childhood experience? This can be good or bad.
The death of my grandfather when I was age 6.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My late grandmother who lived in England and had children to bring up during two World Wars. Also, my mother who was an exceptional person.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
To make everyone be kind to each other.
What 3 (only) items would you bring to a deserted island?
Chocolate, shampoo and soap.
Which are your favorite 5 spots in Colorado?
Colorado Springs
Ouray
Green Mountain Falls
Breckenridge
Woodland Park
Which is the next destination on your wishlist?
South of France