The Founders’ Award is presented to a NAPO member, or a group of NAPO members acting in concert, for outstanding innovation, inspiration, and creativity both within, and outside of, the field of professional organizing and productivity consulting. The vote of NAPO professional members determines the winner of this prestigious award.

The NAPO Founders’ Award is evidence that your peers admire and respect your professionalism and achievements and are proud to say that you are a member of our association. What an honor!

We are pleased to highlight the 2022 Award recipient, Ellen Delap, Certified Professional Organizer, and owner of Professional-Organizer.com.

Q. What was the first thing that crossed your mind when your name was announced as the winner of The Founders’ Award?

I had been thinking about our founders the week prior to conference with the passing of Ann Gambrell. NAPO is a remarkable legacy from our founders. They have been truly instrumental in changing the lives of millions of people with NAPO’s impact.

The announcement of my name was a surprise. I am honored and grateful to be among the 5 women nominated this year, who do remarkable things in our industry. There are so many innovative, inspiring, and creative people in our association, and I love the spirit of our industry.

Q. What does receiving this award mean to you?

Receiving this award is a pinnacle of success. I am passionate about our industry because we make a difference in others’ lives. This award is for all of us who make a difference, both in our client work and as leaders, and recognizes all the successes we achieve.

Q. What prompted you to start your business?

In 2000, I read an article about NAPO in the Houston Chronicle. I knew in my heart that this is where I belonged. Over the years, I have been a part of my clients’ successes as they struggled with organization and productivity. My work is as much about empowering people as it is about simplifying.

Q. What was your biggest fear going into business for yourself? And what are you most proud of?

Sometimes I would get overwhelmed with a project or while building my business. While not necessarily out of fear, but more a sense of overwhelm, I reached out to others in my chapter and our association to work together. I truly consider myself a team player.

I am most proud of building a solid, thriving business over 20 years that gives me multiple opportunities to do what I love, and spend time with those I love.

Q. Is there a mistake you made (that you’re willing to share) when you first began organizing?

From my mistakes, I have learned that having good boundaries is a standard I set for myself and help others establish. Setting and managing client expectations is always a part of what we do. With more processes in place, it is much easier to do our work, and makes both the client and the organizer happier!

Q. What has been your most gratifying NAPO experience?

It has been truly gratifying to have been in every leadership position in my NAPO work. From being Conference chair, Membership Chair, Education Advisory Chair, to President, we are building a culture of gratitude, inclusion, ability, and collaboration in all the work we do at NAPO. NAPO is all about connecting and supporting each other in all ways, whether volunteering or running our businesses.

Q. What are you working on currently (business or NAPO)?

Currently, I am working with our Educational Advisory Committee on our curriculum re-design and new curriculum development. Our EAC team loves our work together and are creating new content and certificates that will train all of us. For my business, I continue to be a prolific learner, attending conferences like NAPO2022 and online trainings.

Q. Do you have any advice for newer NAPO members?

Join us in NAPO volunteering. The rewards include a lifetime of friendships and the opportunity to do good work, collaboratively. Along the way, you will earn new business and personal skills. NAPO volunteering is an outstanding investment of your time. Volunteering builds your business!

Q. Tell us something about yourself that we would never know just from looking at you.

I love Pilates, planners, and mini cupcakes!