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Join the Salt Lake Chamber and Women’s Business Center of Utah for the annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon on November 15, 2024, at the Grand America Hotel!
This year’s theme is “I.L.L.U.M.I.N.A.T.E.,” and encapsulates the essence of what we stand for: Inspiring Leadership, Learning, Unity, Motivation, Innovation, Networking, Ambition, Teamwork and Empowerment.
By attending this conference, you will hear from inspirational speakers, gain valuable business insights to further your professional growth and foster relationships with other businesswomen in the community.
During the luncheon, the Salt Lake Chamber will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to an active member who demonstrates creativity and initiative in business, provides valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and assists women in reaching their full leadership potential.
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the Chamber will also recognize business and community leaders with the Pathfinder Award for their work to create new paths and promote the development and recognition of women in business.
2024 Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon
November 15, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Grand America Hotel
555 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Dr. Donna Milavetz, Chief Medical Officer, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
As Chief Medical Officer for Regence across its four-state footprint, Dr. Donna Milavetz leads clinical strategy, program design and clinical policy. She has extensive clinical and business leadership experience in value-based care, preventive medicine and quality improvement.
Previously, Dr. Milavetz served as executive medical director at Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and in vice president roles at Steward Health Care. Before that, she founded and led Onsite Care, Inc., which operates primary care clinics at employer workplaces to improve employees’ access to health care.
Dr. Milavetz is a distinguished community leader who currently sits on the board of directors for Jewish Family Service and the board of governors for the Salt Lake Chamber. She achieved her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Master of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. She completed internal medicine residencies at the University of Minnesota and Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard University in Massachusetts.
Senator F. Ann Millner represents Senate District 5, which includes parts of Davis, Morgan and Weber counties. In 2015, Sen. Millner was elected to the Senate, where she now serves as the majority whip and the chair of the Senate Ethics Committee. Additionally, Sen. Millner is a member of the National Conference of State Legislatures Foundation Board of Directors as well as various other legislative working groups with legislative leaders nationwide.
Sen. Millner was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, a master’s from Southwest Texas State University and a doctorate from Brigham Young University. She is a regents professor of health administration and was the president of Weber State University from 2002-2012.
Sen. Millner is passionate about improving Utah’s education system and has sponsored legislation focused on economic development specifically related to the state’s workforce preparation, public and higher education and improving affordable health care.
Kerry Norman is the Executive Vice President of Operations at CHG Healthcare in Salt Lake City. In this role, she leads a variety of business operations areas and oversees its enterprise portfolio of strategic initiatives. Norman is known as a talent developer and plays a large role in executive development and DEI efforts.
Prior to joining CHG in April 2017, Norman spent 17 years at Capital Group Companies in Los Angeles in a variety of HR leadership roles. Previously, she was a talent acquisition leader at FedEx, where she focused on hiring for all operations in their western region. Norman started her career at Prudential Financial in their accelerated leadership development program.
Norman holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Boston College and has participated in the executive leadership program at the Kellogg School of Management.
Liz Owens has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Utah, since April 2020. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA) and has dedicated her career to gender and racial justice. Owens has expertise in domestic violence and the effects of trauma on individuals and families and approaches her work through the lens of understanding the intersecting issues and dimensions of identity.
Owens has taught sociology, social inequality and program planning courses at Utah Valley University, Salt Lake Community College and Westminster College. In addition, she previously worked at Women in Prison (London, UK), the Utah Pride Center, the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah and the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and has served on many boards and in volunteer positions in the community.
A native of Provo, Utah, Owens earned her Bachelor of Science at Utah Valley University and her Master of Arts in the Theory and Practice of Human Rights from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom. She was a visiting research fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science and is a sought-after presenter and instructor.
Noella Sudbury graduated from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2009 and has already had a full and diverse career.
Following a clerkship for the Honorable Ronald Nehring of the Utah Supreme Court, Sudbury began her legal practice as a public defender, where she quickly developed a passion for criminal justice reform.
In 2016, Sudbury was appointed by the Salt Lake County Council as the Director of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council for the County, and in that role, led the successful bipartisan legislative campaign to pass Utah’s Clean Slate law – a new law that automates the criminal record expungement process for more than 450,000 Utahns. She went on to found Clean Slate Utah, a non-profit to raise awareness of the automatic clearance law, and is the current CEO and Founder of Rasa Public Benefit Corporation, a new legal tech company that provides low-cost legal expungement services to people not eligible for automatic record clearance.
Sudbury has received several honors and awards for her public service, including being recognized as a Young Alumna of the Year by the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, the 2019 Woman of the Year by Utah Business Magazine and as a Pioneer of the National Clean Slate Movement from the National Clean Slate Initiative. In 2022, she was selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Utah State Bar. In 2023, she was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 200 most dynamic female founders in America.
Diana Young has years of Human Resources and administrative experience and harbors a passion for building lasting relationships. Over her 27-year tenure at PrincePerelson and Associates, Young has served in various capacities, including Director of Business Development, Recruiter, VP of Perelson Temporary Staffing and currently Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.
Throughout her tenure, Young has played a pivotal role in acquiring and managing key clients and accounts while also spearheading the growth of the Temporary Division to achieve record earnings. With her outgoing nature and extensive networks, Young fosters robust business relationships, many of which evolve into enduring friendships, a testament to the loyalty she garners from both clients and candidates.
Young actively engages in multiple business associations and committees, including the Salt Lake Chamber’s President’s Ambassadors and Business Women’s Forum Steering Committee, MountainWest Capital Network, Economic Development Corporation of Utah and ACG Utah Women’s Professional Network.
Jessica Yurgaitis is the CEO of 108-year-old Industrial Supply Company, a family-owned business in the Intermountain West founded by her great-grandfather in 1916. As the first woman to lead the company, Yurgaitis has brought a fresh perspective and innovative approach to an already storied legacy.
With a deep-rooted passion for the family business, Yurgaitis has dedicated herself to continuing its tradition of excellence while steering it towards modern advancements. Under her leadership, the company has not only maintained its reputation for reliability and integrity but has also embraced new technologies and strategies to stay ahead in the competitive industrial distribution market.
Her tenure is characterized by her focus on sustainable growth, employee development and customer satisfaction. Yurgaitis believes in fostering a work environment that values innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement. Her vision has led to the implementation of several successful initiatives that have strengthened the company’s market position and operational efficiency.
Yurgaitis’s journey to the helm of the company is marked by her commitment to both her professional and personal life. She is happily married and the proud mother of four grown children, always working to balance her roles as a business leader and a devoted parent and wife. She enjoys yoga, hiking with friends and family, skiing in her hometown of Park City, Utah, and travel. She serves on both the Affiliated Distributors (AD) Industrial Safety Division board and the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) board of directors, giving her time back to the industry.
Yurgaitis’s leadership is a blend of respect for the company’s rich heritage and a forward-thinking mindset that embraces the challenges and opportunities of the future. Her story is one of breaking barriers, honoring tradition and paving the way for future generations.
Registration & Breakfast
Location: Grand Ballroom
Check out the exhibitor booths. Be sure to get a sticker or stamp on the official Women & Business Conference exhibitor passport. By completely filling out the passport, attendees have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a one-night stay at the Grand America Hotel! (Drawing will happen during the closing session, must be present to win.)
Welcome
Location: Grand Ballroom
More information to come.
Opening Session:
This is Your Now! Daring to Be You.
Location: Grand Ballroom
This authentic, inspiring and courageous keynote is transformative and delves deep into the power of embracing one’s true self in leadership and in life. With genuine warmth and relatability, you’ll be moved to let go of prior programming and fixed beliefs and embrace an even higher level of self-acceptance to propel you from intention into action! With a perfect blend of humor and insightful anecdotes, we’ll engage in discussion and challenging introspection that will highlight the positive impact that being true to yourself has on personal fulfillment and overall well-being. This powerful journey together is one that will raise up the daring, confident, clear and authentic you. THIS is Your Now!
Speaker:
Navigating Feedback and Tough Conversations, Like a Pro!
Location: Envoy Room
Need advice on how to deal with a difficult situation at work or in your personal life – without making it worse? In this breakout session, the presenter will share her signature five-step approach to handling tough conversations, as outlined in her Amazon best-seller Conquer Sticky Situations: A Fresh and Empowering Approach to Tough Talks at Work and in Life. Attendees will learn specific words and phrases for giving and receiving hard feedback, along with three additional techniques that make these conversations more effective. Participants will leave with the confidence and tools needed to successfully navigate their next tough conversation.
Presenter:
Boss Babes and Brainwaves: A Positive Psychology Approach to Mental Health for You and Your Team
Location: Grand Salon
Women in leadership roles often face disproportionate pressure in managing both their own mental health and that of their teams. Drawing on insights from leading researchers, this session will delve into the strategies for balancing leadership responsibilities with personal well-being. Key topics include cultivating resilience, incorporating positive psychology principles and establishing a supportive workplace culture. Practical tips, such as Mindful Communication and SOS Quick Tips, will equip participants with the ability to navigate their roles with resilience and compassion, while also nurturing their mental health.
Presenter:
Nurturing Resilience and Wellness Across Generations
Location: Murano Room
Several key factors affect women’s health across different stages of life, including impacting maternal and postpartum health, raising resilient children and caregiving for aging family members. This session will cover major issues in women’s health and solutions to help them thrive no matter their age. Additionally, it will spotlight local organizations addressing these issues in our community.
Moderator:
Panelists:
Discovering Your Absolute Value: Thriving Amidst the Positives and Negatives of Your Profession
Location: Oak Room
In a world that often measures human worth by external achievements and material possessions, this breakout session will explore the concept of absolute value, highlighting its significance in empowering and elevating businesswomen. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their intrinsic worth, enabling them to navigate challenges, create authentic connections and pursue ambitious goals with confidence and authenticity.
Presenter:
How to Manage Remote Workers and Build a Team Filled with Collaboration and Communication
Location: Venezia Room
With the rise of remote work, many businesses are embracing virtual teams to harness talent. However, managing remote workers presents unique challenges, from fostering collaboration to maintaining effective communication. This breakout session will delve into the strategies and best practices for effectively managing remote workers and building high-performing teams.
Presenter:
Navigating Feedback and Tough Conversations, Like a Pro!
Location: Envoy Room
Need advice on how to deal with a difficult situation at work or in your personal life – without making it worse? In this breakout session, the presenter will share her signature five-step approach to handling tough conversations, as outlined in her Amazon best-seller Conquer Sticky Situations: A Fresh and Empowering Approach to Tough Talks at Work and in Life. Attendees will learn specific words and phrases for giving and receiving hard feedback, along with three additional techniques that make these conversations more effective. Participants will leave with the confidence and tools needed to successfully navigate their next tough conversation.
Presenter:
Boss Babes and Brainwaves: A Positive Psychology Approach to Mental Health for You and Your Team
Location: Grand Salon
Women in leadership roles often face disproportionate pressure in managing both their own mental health and that of their teams. Drawing on insights from leading researchers, this session will delve into the strategies for balancing leadership responsibilities with personal well-being. Key topics include cultivating resilience, incorporating positive psychology principles and establishing a supportive workplace culture. Practical tips, such as Mindful Communication and SOS Quick Tips, will equip participants with the ability to navigate their roles with resilience and compassion, while also nurturing their mental health.
Presenter:
The Road to Pay Equality: Finding Your Voice When It Comes to Pay
Location: Murano Room
Navigating pay equality is never easy. CHG is proud to be committed to pay equity and has taken the Pay Parity Pledge. In addition, CHG is in its 5th year of maintaining no gender wage gap within our organization. In this session you will have the opportunity to learn more about how we got there. And also, what women can do to find their own voice when it comes to advocating for themselves and others.
Presenter:
Navigating the American Dream in Real Time
Location: Oak Room
What does it take to achieve the American Dream? This breakout session will delve into the unique experience of immigrant children born in America, exploring the sacrifices that shaped their journeys and identities. Participants will reflect on how their heritage influences both their professional and personal lives and discuss the challenges of balancing cultural expectations with the norms of society.
Presenters:
Harnessing Your Personal Brand: An Interactive Brand Dimensions Workshop
Location: Venezia Room
Everyone has a personal brand that communicates who they are, their passions, their working style and their values. Understanding your personal brand can help you better harness your strengths and distill your leadership style. In this breakout session, participants will be guided through the Declarative Labs’ custom Brand Personality Assessment to uncover which of the five brand personalities they most represent and learn how to leverage their brand personality in the workplace.
Presenters:
ATHENA Awards Luncheon
Location: Grand Ballroom
The Salt Lake Chamber will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to an active member who demonstrates creativity and initiative in business, provides valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and assists women in reaching their full leadership potential.
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the Chamber will also recognize business and community leaders with the Pathfinder Award for their work to create new paths and promote the development and recognition of women in business.
ATHENA International Award
Pathfinders:
Breakout Session #3
Getting the Right Hand Right: How to Delegate Without Fear
Location: Envoy Room
Many businesswomen excel at doing it all, but true success often lies in mastering the art of delegation. This breakout session will teach you how to empower the leaders around you while ensuring quality, safeguarding customers and employees, and getting the right tasks done on time. Based on the proven Getting the Right Hand Right program, you’ll gain practical tools and a new mindset to overcome fears about delegation and truly benefit from the support available to you.
Presenter:
Illuminating Leadership Through Challenges: How to Cut Through the Noise to Leverage Adaptability with Clarity
Location: Grand Salon
In March 2020, Monnica successfully led her organization through the COVID-19 crisis, transitioning 3,000 workers to remote work while maintaining cybersecurity and productivity. This breakout session will explore the critical lessons in self-awareness, strategic thinking and decisive action that define effective leadership in tough times. Participants will learn how creating space between stimulus and response can sharpen decision-making and how consistent preparation positions us to seize opportunities when they arise. Illuminate your leadership journey and connect with professionals dedicated to making a difference.
Presenter:
From Entry to Exit: Advice for Each Phase of the Career Journey
Location: Murano Room
Four women leaders in various stages of their careers will share how they’ve found ways to evolve — and even thrive — throughout the often unpredictable professional landscape. This breakout session will touch on developing leadership and applying them at the beginning, middle and end of your professional journey. No matter where you are in your own career, there’s something for everyone to gain from this conversation.
Panelists:
Show Me the Money! Get More Revenue and More Profit
Location: Oak Room
Discover actionable tips and techniques to boost your revenue and profitability. In this session, explore why selling packages instead of charging hourly fees can significantly improve profits and how choosing the right business entity — whether S-Corp, LLC or sole proprietorship — can impact your bottom line. Participants will also gain insights on identifying trends your business can leverage for growth.
Presenter:
Criminal Records: When to Give a Fair Chance and How it Can Support Business Growth
Location: Venezia Room
In today’s tight labor market, tapping into the often-overlooked talent pool of justice-involved individuals can be a game-changer for recruitment and retention. Hiring these skilled and loyal workers not only strengthens your workforce but also plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism and supporting families. In this breakout session, our panel will share real-world experiences with fair chance hiring, perspectives from those who have been fair chance hires, and discuss the broader impact on businesses, the workforce and Utah’s economy.
Panelists:
Closing Session
Dreams Don’t Have an Expiration Date!
Location: Grand Ballroom
Sandi Hendry will share the inspiring story of how one blanket changed her daughter’s life and has continued to change countless lives over the past 15 years. This heartfelt narrative will explore the profound impact that a blanket made with love can have on the world. Sandi Hendry’s journey is a testament to how a single act of kindness can ripple outwards, creating lasting change. She hopes to continue spreading comfort and love, one blanket at a time.
Speaker:
Nicole Sherman is well-known as a catalyst for financial innovation and is regarded as a brilliant change agent and unwavering positive force in the industry. She is a “leader builder” throughout organizations and does so by her actions, work ethic, high standards and dedicated coaching and mentoring of others. As a visionary and an architect of momentum, Sherman leverages past accomplishments to fuel future innovation. Her “live on purpose, lead with intention” philosophy and dedication inspire others to see their greatness and bring that level of engagement every single day.
Sherman brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience and currently serves as president & CEO of Riverview Bancorporation and Riverview Bank in Washington State. She is proud to have been born and raised in the great state of Utah and spent the first fifteen years of her career at Zions Bank.
Known for her paramount presentation style, Sherman has a unique ability to connect with audiences of all sizes on a deep and personal level. She has become a renowned keynote speaker and has a genuine ability to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals and organizations alike. Last year, Sherman was named “Instructor of the Year” at University of Washington, Foster School of Business for Pacific Coast Graduate Banking School (PCBS). Her captivating storytelling, wit, and powerful insights have earned her a reputation as a highly sought-after speaker, leaving audiences inspired and feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.
Sandi Sumner Hendry was born and raised in Orem, Utah. She has always stood out in a crowd. Hendry graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Education & Business and was a school teacher for 30 years. After retiring from school teaching, she worked in HR and Personnel for Mountain View Title, a company she owned and operated with her husband, Mike.
In 2009, she added a third career – owner and founder of Minky Couture. That year, Hendry’s daughter became ill and was hospitalized for several months, and asked for a “big baby blanket” to snuggle up with during her recovery. Hendry had a hard time finding the perfect cozy blanket for her daughter. It was at this time that she created the first adult-size Minky Couture blanket, and Minky Couture was born!
Minky Couture has now grown to be a popular brand of blanket, not only in Utah, but all over the United States and the world. Hendry has now opened six retail stores throughout Utah with over 250 employees. Hendry has received much recognition and many awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 and the Women in Business ATHENA Award in 2020 from the Davis Chamber of Commerce. Minky Couture has also repeatedly achieved the “Best of State” award.
Through Minky Couture’s “Heart of Minky” program, they donate thousands of Mini Minky blankets to NICUs nationwide. These little blankets bring comfort and love to these tiny babies who are born earlier than expected and to their families who have something comforting and beautiful to provide for their babies.
Ellesse Balli is the co-founder and CEO of Declarative Labs, a women-owned-and-operated creative collective dedicated to amplifying impact through data, design and dynamic storytelling. Balli leads Declarative’s overall strategy, client engagement and storytelling portfolio — using film, brand anthems and strategic messaging to elevate impact stories. Balli is an award-winning impact filmmaker, strategist and marketer with over a decade of experience. She is classically trained in oil painting, studied English as an undergraduate, and later Education, Psychology and Instructional Design in her graduate program. She co-owns a grammy-award winning production house, Moniker Media, and was recognized as a top-ten up-and-coming director by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on HBO’s Project Greenlight. Balli’s career centers on the fusion of art and language. Prior to co-founding Declarative, she served as the art director at the Diplomatic Courier, taught impact messaging for ten years at the University of Utah and was a managing director at the Sorenson Impact Center.
Erin Laney Barr is managing director and market leader for CBRE’s Salt Lake City office. In this role, Laney Barr oversees business operations and drives the overall growth strategy for all Advisory Services lines of business. Laney Barr joined CBRE in January 2022 with a diverse background spanning real estate law, economic development and business attraction and real estate development. As a real estate attorney for over six years in Southern California, she represented financial institutions, including the Big Four, in legal proceedings related to real property holdings. Thereafter, she transitioned from law to a role with the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, where she ultimately served as vice president of business development. Before being appointed market leader, Laney Barr served as a transaction manager at CBRE. Laney Barr’s strong reputation, deep community and industry relationships and breadth of professional experience enable CBRE’s Salt Lake City office to drive exceptional results for its clients.
David Bauman is the senior director of global advisory and transaction services for CBRE’s Salt Lake City office. Bauman guides large corporations in their real estate decisions across their national and global portfolios, working with all property types. Bauman began his career in corporate real estate in 2006 and has since managed many global accounts for clients spanning private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He currently sits on the leadership board of the World Trade Center Utah, serves as the executive director of the Ivory-Boyer Real Estate Center at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, and is an adjunct professor for the University of Utah’s Master of Real Estate Development program.
Neah Bois is the director of strategic partnerships at Declarative, leading outreach, engagement and community-building strategies with a diverse range of clientele. In her role, Bois creates lasting partnerships with clients to ensure their needs are met from start to finish. She also focuses on Declarative’s internal strategy and process and is a fastidious researcher and writer. Bois came to this work through a passion for problem-solving and connection, with her ability to identify interdisciplinary solutions rooted in her educational background in language, theory, philosophy, art and culture. Bois graduated from Occidental College with a BA in Comparative Studies and Literature, with an emphasis on Classic literature and art. She has prior experience as a researcher and student program advisor at the University of Utah’s Sorenson Impact Center and as a survivor advocate for sexual assault prevention and advocacy.
More information to come.
Aaron J. Fischer, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, associate professor of school psychology and adjunct associate professor of psychiatry. He serves as the director of the University of Utah Technology in Training, Education and Consultation (U-TTEC) Lab, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative and Huntsman Mental Health Institute HOME interdisciplinary pediatric feeding disorders clinic. Dr. Fischer has been working with individuals on the autism spectrum and individuals with social-emotional and behavioral problems and their families for over 20 years.
Destiny Garcia is a mother, advocate and woman in recovery, and the executive director of Clean Slate Utah. As someone who has gone through expungement, Garcia knows first-hand how difficult the process can be and the barriers that a criminal record can have on people. Garcia is passionate about living recovery loudly and her story has reached the halls of Congress as well as national and international media. She hopes that her story can bring awareness to the benefits of programs like expungement and the Clean Slate legislation. Garcia is committed to increasing awareness of Utah’s transformative Law among individuals with records and advocating for the national extension of the policy. Garcia received the 2023 Liberty Bell award presented by the Utah State Bar to a nonlawyer who has prompted better understanding of the rule of law; encouraged a greater respect for law and the courts; stimulated a sense of civic responsibility; and contributed to good government in the community.
Michelle Hansen is an operations manager with over 25 years of management experience. In her current role at the Salt Lake City office of CBRE, Hansen is responsible for managing the day-to-day office services, including P&L review, forecasting and budget planning. She is also an integral part of the local leadership team and provides advocacy, management and development for the office’s client services and operations professionals. Hansen has a strong background that includes a variety of skills, including clinical office management, accounting operations, client relationship management and business ownership. This broad experience aids her in approaching business solutions from both an analytical and creative viewpoint.
Sierra Hoffer is a research manager at CBRE, where she covers both commercial real estate and economic trends for the Mountain States region, including Utah, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico. Prior to CBRE, Hoffer worked in consulting, both in technology and political affairs. She was a graduate fellow at Utah State University, where she received her Master’s in Economics and Public Policy and BA in Business Marketing.
As president of the Cambia Health Foundation, Peggy Maguire leads all of Cambia’s philanthropic programs and activities. Dedicated to responsible stewardship, Maguire leads her team in purposefully investing in local solutions that expand access to behavioral health care in underserved communities throughout Washington, Oregon, Utah and Idaho. Maguire is deeply engaged in the community through volunteer leadership roles. In 2023, she was named an Honorary Life Member of the Doernbecher Philanthropy Board after nine years of board service. She currently chairs the board of the Western States Region of the American Heart Association, and co-chairs the Roundtable on Quality Care for People with Serious Illness at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). Maguire also serves as vice chair of the national Grantmakers in Aging Board, and as a member and former chair of the Friends of the Children National Board. She is a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon.
Mele Makaui is the senior director of sales & revenue – hospitality for Western States Lodging & Management. Previously, she was the general manager of Embassy Suites West Valley City and has held numerous positions as director of sales & marketing at several other hotels. Makaui is a seasoned hospitality professional with extensive experience in sales and revenue management. Her leadership in various high-level roles within the industry is complemented by her commitment to family, balancing a successful career with her role as a mother.
Monnica Manuel is a passionate and experienced leader who has spent over twenty years making a difference in the world of business. Throughout her career, she's worn many hats, from scaling operations and driving strategic initiatives to building strong relationships with employees and clients around the globe. As a co-founder and owner of RSG Performance, Manuel loves sharing her expertise and helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Manuel's journey has seen her excel in various roles, from head of sales to senior vice president of clinical operations. She believes in the power of mindfulness and holistic leadership, drawing on her training from UCSD’s School of Medicine and Center for Mindfulness to guide her approach. With degrees in economics and psychology from the University of Utah, Manuel brings a unique blend of knowledge and insight to her work. She is dedicated to creating positive, thriving workplaces and inspiring teams to achieve their best.
Heather Mason founded Caspian Agency in 2005 to bring a strategic discipline to high-level gatherings and convenings for good. She created the Caspian 10 Essentials, a business plan approach for events. Caspian has produced conferences for the Hewlett Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, Omidyar Network and Skoll World Forum for the past 19 years. Previously, she worked in TV and film development and created the American Pavilion intern program at the Cannes Film Festival and the largest non-official event at the Sundance Film Festival. Mason is an instructor in the Master’s program at San Diego State University, teaching Finance and Economics in the event industry. She is a consultant on convening design for the Rockefeller Foundation and was the editor and key contributor to their Convening Guide. Mason serves on the boards of the Women Founders Network, Utah State Board of Trustees and Utah State Alumni. She is a past board member of Entrepreneurs Organization - Utah. She also created the events SUREFIRE Girls, CEO-U and The Impact Lounge, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.
Elizabeth McMillan, MAPP, is the director of communication for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). She has worked in the transportation industry for 15 years, with experience in positions ranging from public involvement to policy and legislation. She believes that the government can be a positive institution with the opportunity to systemically improve well-being in communities. McMillan earned a Master’s of Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a CliftonStrengths coach, personal trainer and nutrition coach. McMillan teaches that strength is built through resilience of both body and mind. Through the principles of positive psychology, she seeks to “grow the good” both internally at UDOT, among women leaders and in Utah’s communities.
Kathleen McMillan is an associate marketing director of CBRE’s Salt Lake City office. In this role, she oversees an in-house marketing team of managers, specialists and designers supporting ten Mountains Region offices. McMillan’s primary responsibilities encompass business development, property marketing and team operations, and directing the activities of third-party vendors. She is also a member of the CBRE Salt Lake Leadership Team, assisting with the development and implementation of local office branding, management and growth strategies. McMillan began her commercial real estate career in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Several years later, she relocated to Salt Lake City to pursue a graduate degree and joined CBRE’s Salt Lake City office upon graduation. Aside from her strong marketing background, McMillan also has experience in human relations and finance. McMillan studied at the University of Utah, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing and a Master of Business Administration.
As Chief Medical Officer for Regence across its four-state footprint, Dr. Donna Milavetz leads clinical strategy, program design and clinical policy. She has extensive clinical and business leadership experience in value-based care, preventive medicine and quality improvement. Previously, Dr. Milavetz served as executive medical director at Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and in vice president roles at Steward Health Care. Before that, she founded and led Onsite Care, Inc., which operates primary care clinics at employer workplaces to improve employees' access to health care. Dr. Milavetz is a distinguished community leader who currently sits on the board of directors for Jewish Family Service and the board of governors for the Salt Lake Chamber. She achieved her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Master of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. She completed internal medicine residencies at the University of Minnesota and Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard University in Massachusetts.
Sui Lang L. Panoke is the founder and chief creative officer of Rethink International, a global social enterprise and consulting firm designed to challenge people to rethink how and what they think. Most recently, Panoke served as senior vice president, culture for Zions Bank, 2020-24. In this role, she was responsible for directing a strategic vision, developing a comprehensive strategy, and delivering a plan of action to drive culture and build community across the Bank and in the communities that it serves. She managed numerous strategic partnerships, including the Utah Women and Leadership Project’s Bolder Way Forward, Women Who Succeed, SheMoney and the Salt Lake Chamber’s Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Training Series. Panoke holds a BS in political science from the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics and an MPA from American University’s Women & Politics Institute with a Certificate in Women, Policy, and Political leadership. She also serves on numerous community and nonprofit boards.
More information to come.
Elenoa Saafi is a dedicated entrepreneur, community advocate and the owner and founder of We Care For U. Previously, she started a cleaning company to provide for her six children, founded her own Zumba company and established a nonprofit group to support physical wellness and training among women in the Pacific Islander community. From her time as a single mother to being an immigrant to the U.S., Saafi’s journey reflects her resilience and commitment to empowering women through physical wellness and entrepreneurship, particularly within the Pacific Islander community. She serves the community as the ambassador director of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Women’s Executive Alliance.
Dr. Sidni L. Shorter, PsyD, is the president and CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, an entrepreneur and a fierce advocate and practitioner of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Shorter was recently named the director of the Utah Minority Business Development Agency. She is also the CEO of ExecuteNow!, a client-focused finance and accounting firm with a mission to ensure nonprofits and small to midsize organizations have affordable access to capital, prudent financial management and forward-thinking leadership.
As a servant leader, Dr. Shorter prioritizes relationship-building and authentic engagement and sits on several boards for Zions Bank, The Policy Project, Westminster University, among others. She has also received several awards, including the 2024 JP Morgan Chase 100 Women to Know in America, Utah Business 2023 CEO of the Year and 2022 Utah 40 Women Over 40. Dr. Shorter holds a Doctorate in Biblical Psychology, a Master’s in Theology, two Bachelor’s degrees in General Studies and Theology and is a Licensed Christian Therapist.
Jill Shroyer is the CEO and lead HR consultant at Expedition HR. She specializes in helping businesses navigate tough workplace conversations without feeling like a jerk! Expedition HR offers on-demand, on-call expert HR and tough workplace conversation support and guidance through the Expedition HR Subscription. It’s like having an HR Director on-call. Shroyer has over two decades of HR experience across five industries and is a published author of the book, Conquer Sticky Situations: A Fresh and Empowering Approach to Tough Talks at Work and in Life. Shroyer lives in Park City, Utah, with her husband, two kids and their pets. She has many passions outside of work, including mountain biking, skiing deep powder, advocating for rescue animal adoptions and traveling abroad with her family.
Heather Stone is a four-time company president, two-time business owner and an award-winning instructor. Her business, Practical PhD, helps companies structure and manage that important second-in-command role. When CEOs figure out how to have another top leader in the room, they are finally able to scale, sell or step away. Stone has spoken for the Women Presidents Organization, Young Presidents Organization, Vistage and TEC. She will teach her flagship Getting the Right Hand Right workshop to over sixty CEO groups this year in the US and Canada. Stone has a PhD in organizational communication and an MBA. She is also the author of two upcoming books.
Noella Sudbury is a local and national leader of the Clean Slate record expungement movement. She has been a licensed Utah attorney for the past 15 years and has dedicated most of her career to public service. Sudbury is a former public defender and the current CEO and founder of Rasa Public Benefit Corporation, a mission-driven legal technology company that aims to make the process of clearing a criminal record simple and affordable for everyone.
Daela Taeoalii-Higgs is a licensed Medicare agent for Senior Benefits Insurance Services. Her 26 years in health insurance has included time as a Large Employer Sales Operations Manager at Select Health and Regence BlueCross BlueShield Sales Executive for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Taeoalii-Higgs brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her roles, drawing from her extensive operations and community service background. Since 2017, she has served on the Spy Hop Productions Board and has been the board chair for three years. In 2023, Taeoalii-Higgs received the Utah Philanthropy Day Heart & Hands Award for her service to Spy Hop.
Leisa Wallace is an experienced author, business owner and business advisor with the Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah), where she mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. Diagnosed with aggressive onset multiple sclerosis in 2019, Wallace now dedicates herself to inspiring others facing life's uncertainties by emphasizing "Chronically Thriving: How to Turn Hardship into Hope and Passion into Purpose." Recognized for her advocacy and literary work, Wallace draws from personal experience and resilience to guide others in discovering their intrinsic worth. When not working or writing, she enjoys her flower garden and playing with her baby goats.
La Wolfgramm is the owner and founder of Pasifika Corned Beef Brisket and Pasifika Foods, the owner and founder of Pasifika Events Center, and the president of the Women’s Executive Alliance. She is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader with a strong foundation in business management and community engagement. Wolfgramm has successfully launched and managed multiple ventures, demonstrating her commitment to promoting Pasifika culture and supporting women in leadership. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Utah.
With a 16-year career in non-profit human service work, Melissa Zimmerman, MSW, joined Jewish Family Service (JFS) as their new Executive Director in April 2024. Prior to JFS, Zimmerman served as the Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona in Tucson. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona and holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver.
| 020-Present | 2010-2019 | 2000-2009 | 1990-1999 | 1984-1989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020: Molly Mazzolini, Infinite Scale | 2010: Dr. Cynthia A. Bioteau, Salt Lake Community College | 2000: Patricia Richards, First Security Bank | 1990: Jacqueline Nicholes, Quality Press | 1984: Phyllis Steorts, Westin Hotel Utah |
| 2021: Natalie Gochnour, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute | 2011: Beverley Taylor Sorenson, Sorenson Foundation | 2001: Lori Giovannoni, Lori Giovannoni and Associates | 1991: Patricia Freston, Ph.D., Questar Corporation | 1985: Carol Fay, Internal Revenue Services |
| 2022: Vicki Varela, Utah Office of Tourism | 2012: Gail Miller, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies | 2002: Susan Glasmann, Questar Gas Company | 1992: Rhoda Ramsey, Ramsey Group | 1986: Isabelle Jensen, Questar Corporation |
| 2013: Dr. Linda Leckman, Intermountain Healthcare | 2003: Becky Berkey Potts, AT&T Wireless | 1993: June Morris, Morris Air | 1987: Patricia Shoemaker Glessner, KSL TV | |
| 2014: Peggy Larson, WCF Insurance | 2004: Gov. Olene Walker, Utah State Governor | 1995: Joan Lewis, Nesco Service, Inc. | 1988: Carol Browning, CLU | |
| 2015: Karn Gunn, Salt Lake Community College | 2005: Pamela Atkinson, Community Advocate | 1996: Ramona Rudert, Predictable Building Systems | ||
| 2016: Lori Chillingworth, Zions Bancorporation | 2006: Marilyn Tang, Certified Handling Systems | 1997: Carol Carter, IC Products | ||
| 2017: President Deneece Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College | 2007: Margo Provost, Log Haven | 1998: Deborah S. Bayle, American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter | ||
| 2018: Cindy Crane, Rocky Mountain Power | 2008: Senator Patricia W. Jones, Dan Jones & Associates | 1999: Lorraine Miller, Cactus & Tropicals | ||
| 2019: Linda Wardell, City Creek Center | 2009: Chris Redgrave, KSL News Radio |
| 2020-Present | 2010-2019 | 2000-2009 | 1990-1999 | 1983-1989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020: Allyson Bell, Silvia Castro, Darla Gill, Beth Holbrook, Abby Murtagh, Heidi D. Ruster | 2010: Amy Rees Anderson, Amanda Dickson, Diane Mansfield, Nicole Mouskondis, Luz Robles | 2000: Maun Alston, Marjean Daniels, Maxine Turner, Junior League of Salt Lake City | 1990: Richard Davis, Ann Erickson, Irene Fisher, Tinby Milne, Elizabeth Pierce, Ramona Rudert | 1983: Carol M. Fay |
| 2021: Beth Colosimo, Ibi Guevara, Rep. Sandra Hollins, Aubriana Martindale, Brittany Westover, Lori B. Williams | 2011: Christy Alter Haymond, Marsha Gilford, Melia Tourangeau, Jody Williams | 2001: Steven B. Allnatt, Marsha Fetzer, Connie Holbrook, Dr. Peggy Stock, Marilyn Tang | 1991: Mayor Palmer DePaulis, Isabelle Jensen, Verl Topham, Josie Valdez | 1984: Bernice Galbraith, Ruth Hardy Funk |
| 2022: | 2012: Dr. Sarah B. George, Debra Hoyt, Dr. Vivian Lee, Dr. Susan Madsen, Molly Mazzolini | 2002: Afton Bradshaw, Lisa Eccles, Gladys Gonzales, Karen Meacham, Jeanetta Williams | 1992: Judith Bell, Judge Judith Billings, Brenda Hancock, Patricia Richards, Douglas Tapking, Olene Walker | 1985: Vee Carlisle, Joe Pacheco, Madily Parker, Joe Siciliano, Doty Williams |
| 2013: Jennifer Danielson, May Kay Griffin, Susan Mayo | 2003: Sherrie Hayashi, Jane Shock, Arlene Urias | 1993: Barbara Dirks, Linda Galindo, Jan Graham, Margaret Hunt | 1986: Dee Dee Corradini, Linda Jensen, Jinnah Kelson, Jane Marquardt, Dee Rowland, Elaine Weiss | |
| 2014: Patrice Arent, Juanita Damon, Martha Eining, Denise Winslow | 2004: Margo Salazar Rillston, Hydee Willis, The Utah Women’s Alliance for Building Community (UWABC) | 1994: Pamela Atkinson, David M Jones, Joan Lewis, Lynne Ann Tempest | 1987: Deborah Bayle, Kaye Coleman, Lorraine Miller, Karen Shepherd | |
| 2015: Rebecca Dutson, Jodi Holmgren, Cathy Keen, Fraser Nelson, Kathy Ricci | 2005: Allison Bridges, Ana Maria Fereday, Mary Mark, Susan Peterson and The Jones, Kevin Potts, Jennifer Scoffield, Waldo Women Lawyers Group, Lauryn Wingate | 1995: Carol Carter, Julie Kilgore | 1988: Fred Ball, Carol Dunlap, Lee Ence, LouJean Flint, Jim Herbster, Kent Moon | |
| 2016: Maura Carabello, Dr. Ivy Estabrooke, Laura Kaiser, Kathy Luke | 2006: Paulette Cary, Leigh von der Esch, Dr. Linda Leckman, Leann Linderman, Sabina Zunguze | 1996: Aileen Clyde, Cecilia Foxley, Linda Kruse, John E Mooney | 1989: Laura Benson, Kenneth Hill, Ruth Novak, Rhoda Ramsey, D.N. Nick Rose | |
| 2017: Amanda Covington, Mary Crafts-Homer, Lavanya Mahate, Heidi Prokop, Maureen Riley, Vicki Varela | 2007: Michelle Flynn, Annette Jarvis, Peggy Larsen, Brenda Scheer | 1997: Susie Adams, Grethe Peterson, Kayleen Simmons | ||
| 2018: Kristen Cox, Katie Holland, Dr. Donna Milavetz, Hollie Pettersson, Amanda Smith, Emily Wright | 2008: Silvia Norman, Nancy Nowak, Karen Suzuki-Okabe, Lisa Vehrenkamp, Andrea Wolcott | 1998: Mary Ann Flinders, Jean Fox, Kathy Hillis | ||
| 2019: Theresa Foxley, Mikelle Moore, Christy Tribe, Melanie Vartabedian, Jennifer Williams | 2009: Shauna Bona, Diana Kirk, Judy Reese, Lynne Ward | 1999: Becky Berkey Potts, Beverly R. Cooper, Bernadette Martinelli, Jamee J. |