2025 Janet Cordell
Janet Cordell's passion for service knows no borders. As a dedicated missionary, her work has touched lives from Enid, Oklahoma to Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, and beyond. Among her many journeys, her most cherished mission trip was to Africa.
A registered nurse for over 40 years, Janet has committed her career to improving healthcare and advocating for those in need. Her expertise and leadership have been recognized through her service on numerous committees and task forces, including the Governor's Steering Committee for Oklahoma's Healthy Futures Program, the Oklahoma Nurses Association, the American Red Cross, the Enid MS Walk, Success by Six, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, and the CDSA Community Action Agency.
Janet is an active member of the Christian Church of the Covenant, where she has served in multiple roles. Her dedication to education is evident in her work as an adjunct instructor with Autry Tech. Additionally, she has played a vital role in leadership and community development, serving as co-coordinator of the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Committee and chairperson of the NORCE Foundation.
Throughout her lifetime of service, Janet has been recognized with numerous awards. In 2005, she was honored as a Pillar of the Plains, and the Oklahoma Nurses Association awarded her the Excellence in Nursing Award. In 2009, she was named Enid YWCA Woman of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the community.
Janet's deep commitment to the American Red Cross stands as one of her greatest passions. Currently serving as the Disaster Health Services Lead for Kansas and Oklahoma, she dedicates much of her time to aiding those in crisis. Her connection to the Red Cross runs deep - her mother was a Red Cross nurse during World War II, and her father was a survivor of the Bataan Death March. In 2018, she was honored with a Red Cross pin for 50 years of volunteer service, a testament to her lifelong dedication.
Even in retirement, Janet continues to make a profound impact. She has been actively involved with the Enid Community Clinic, which she has coordinated since stepping away from full-time nursing. Though temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the clinic remains a vital resource for the community, with Janet ensuring that patients still receive medication guidance and necessary medical follow-ups.
During the pandemic, Janet took on a pivotal role in the Garfield County COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Process, helping to combat one of the greatest global health challenges of her career.