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The Health Initiative is pleased to present its January 2010 Real Woman, Cleo Coleman, who stays healthy through her passion for exercise and eating well.
In fact, Cleo is passionate about many things. She cites exercise, sewing, fashion, travel, reading, and jazz as some of her many interests. She hopes to turn her interest in fashion into her second career as a buyer, planner, or a regional sales manager in the fashion industry.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Cleo got her Bachelor's degree in computer science from Boston College. She worked for IBM for 28 years before the recession triggered a layoff that freed Cleo to pursue her dream of entering the fashion industry.
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Cleo is grateful to IBM for bringing her to Atlanta. She got to know Atlanta when IBM sent her here for training. She loved it so much that when she got a chance, in 1996, she moved here and made Atlanta her home. An only child, Cleo, her mother, and her "Yorkie-Chon" (half Yorkie, half Bichon Frise) Zoey all live in Smyrna. In addition to her mother and Zoey, Cleo also claims as family two close friends and many other friends from all walks of life.
Cleo is particularly proud of the changes she has made in her lifestyle, changing her eating habits, developing her passion for exercise, and losing 20 pounds in the process. One of her most recent accomplishments was completing a two-day bike ride benefitting Multiple Sclerosis. This cause is particularly close to her heart since one of her friends has MS.
Cleo's positive attitude shines as she moves through her life. She loves leading a healthy life, surrounded by nature and friends who support her. Research show all those things contribute to a person's longevity. We wish Cleo a long and happy life doing the things she loves.
In closing, Real Woman features Cleo's answers to nine questions adapted from the well-known Proust Questionnaire:
- What is your idea of happiness?
Staying on my road of health and fitness, enjoying my jazz music, enjoying time with family and friends, pursuing passion in fashion and retail, and the ability to travel
- What quality do you most admire in a person?
Honesty, sincerity, a sense of humor, respect, and love for self
- Who are your heroes in real life?
- Ms. Dickerson, social studies secretary in Norwalk (now deceased) for her dedication to helping children; she motivated and encouraged us to be the best we could be.
- Mr. Meyers, the manager of the George Washington Carver Community Center
- Oprah
- Barack Obama
- My mother
- What is it that you most dislike?
Ignorance and discrimination and lack of respect for other people
- What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Play the piano
- What is your favorite occupation?
Fashion designer
- What is your favorite exercise?
Weight training
- What is your favorite color?
Purple
- How would you like your tombstone to read?
She lived a long beautiful caring life full of love and respect
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