The Salt Lake Chamber and Women’s Business Center of Utah will host the annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon on November 10, 2025, at the Grand America Hotel!
This year’s theme, “Believe. Become. Build.,” reflects the powerful journey of growth. We invite attendees to believe in their own potential, become the leaders they’re meant to be and build pathways for others to thrive.
At this conference, attendees will hear from inspirational speakers, gain valuable business insights to further their 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.
2025 Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon
November 10, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Grand America Hotel
555 S. Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
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 major gift! (Drawing will happen during the closing session, must be present to win.)
Welcome
Location: Grand Ballroom
More information to come.
Opening Session:
How Embracing Your Passion Can Transform Your Life.
Location: Grand Ballroom
In this inspiring presentation, Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Naismith Hall of Famer Holly Rowe shares how following your passion can transform your life — and the lives of those around you.
From her early days in Utah to covering the biggest sporting events in the world, Rowe reflects on a 30-year career filled with high-pressure moments, hard-won breakthroughs and unforgettable stories from the sidelines. But it was her five-year battle with Stage IV metastatic melanoma that reshaped her perspective entirely.
With warmth, wit and wisdom, Rowe opens up about how adversity taught her to lead with joy — not in spite of challenges, but because of them. She offers powerful lessons on finding purpose, staying focused and embracing the spark that drives us — in sports, in work and in life.
Whether you’re an athlete, professional or someone navigating life’s curveballs, Rowe’s message is a reminder that joy isn’t just a feeling — it’s a choice.
Speaker:
Breakout Session #1
The Power of Pause: Reclaiming Vision, Wellness and a New Definition of Success
Location: Imperial Ballroom A
What if the secret to your next big idea — or even your sanity — was simply stopping? In a world that glorifies hustle, many women in business are pushed to the edge of burnout, chasing a version of success that may no longer serve them. In this reflective and energizing session, our speaker shares lessons learned from living abroad for three months in a culture where the rhythm of life was slower, healthier and deeply human. While it lacked the relentless entrepreneurial spirit of the U.S., it offered something just as powerful: space to breathe, think and dream.
This talk invites attendees to consider how rest and reflection are not the opposite of productivity but essential investments in their personal and professional growth. Drawing from personal experience, research and real-life case studies, we’ll make the case for integrating intentional pauses — through travel, rest, learning or simply stepping back — to recalibrate our values, renew our vision and ignite creativity.
You’ll leave this session with tools and practices to incorporate restorative pauses into your leadership style and organizational culture — so you can lead from a place of clarity not depletion.
Presenter:
Small Shifts, Big Wins: Harnessing the Power of Marginal Improvements in Business and Life
Location: Imperial Ballroom B
This interactive session explores how the science of marginal improvements can transform business outcomes and personal achievement for women leaders.
Drawing on principles from behavioral science, successful case studies and practical applications, attendees will discover how small, consistent changes compound to create extraordinary results. We’ll examine how the 1% improvement approach provides a more sustainable path to success than seeking dramatic breakthroughs — particularly valuable for women navigating complex professional landscapes.
Participants will leave with a personalized framework for identifying their highest-leverage small changes, practical implementation strategies and techniques for measuring impact. This presentation combines data-driven insights with engaging storytelling to inspire attendees to embrace the transformative power of marginal gains in their businesses and careers.
Presenter:
Managing in the Middle: The Experience of Women’s Leadership Outside the C-Suite
Location: Imperial Ballroom C
What does women’s leadership look like for the majority of women — those working in an organization and sitting below the C-suite? How can women stand up, stand out and make a difference as they navigate organizations and strive for upward career mobility?
Join two “mid-level” leaders as they share their tips and (often humorous) real-world journeys — including the wins, the hard lessons and the unending effort to make a difference. Explore practical strategies to balance your workload, influence beyond your role, lead without a formal title, invest in your growth and advocate for your future.
Presenters:
From Contacts to Connection: Rethinking the Way We Network
Location: Imperial Ballroom D
We’re told networking is key to success — but no one really teaches us how to do it in a way that feels real. Whether you’re entering a new industry, relaunching your career or simply tired of small talk with no follow-through, this session offers a fresh, relationship-first approach to building your orbit.
You’ll learn how to grow your network from scratch (or start again), navigate digital and in-person spaces with intention and create connections that lead to opportunity — not just visibility. We’ll share practical tips, real-life scripts and a mindset shift that puts authenticity before agenda. You’ll leave with actionable strategies, renewed confidence and a few new contacts already in play.
Presenters:
Breakout Session #2
Conquer Imposter Syndrome: Find Your Strength and Do It Anyway
Location: Imperial Ballroom A
That voice in your head whispers, “Do you even belong here? Are you good enough?” You try to ignore it, but Imposter Syndrome can be loud and relentless. In this session, we will explore the different types of Imposter Syndrome and help you recognize which one may be holding you back. More importantly, we will show you how your strengths are your key to confidence and empower you with a formula to fight back.
Participants will learn:
Presenter:
Power of the Pivot
Location: Imperial Ballroom B
This session will focus on the “power of the pivot.” The women on this panel have all undergone significant career shifts and changes, and they will discuss what goes into a pivot, whether it is by choice or not. What was the thing that triggered the want/need for a pivot? What triggered the actual action? What did you lean into and what did you have to learn the hard way? How did you manage the headwinds (physical, mental, emotional)?
Attendees will walk away with an understanding and belief that pivots are NOT failures. Pivots are opportunities to learn, grow and soar in new settings, environments and organizations. We want them to see how their current skill sets can be leveraged to bring tremendous value to the next opportunity.
Moderator:
Panel:
She Builds, We Rise: Reimagining Success Through Community
Location: Imperial Ballroom C
Utah has one of the widest gender gaps in entrepreneurship, but at Maven, a thriving ecosystem of over 100 women-owned businesses, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when women are given more than a seat at the table: they build a bigger one.
In this session, Rocky Donati and Tessa Arneson, the co-founders of Maven, will share how designing with women at the center can transform entire communities. From reimagining commercial real estate as a tool for empowerment, to nurturing a culture of collaboration over competition, their approach weaves connection, accessibility and purpose into every square foot.
You’ll learn how intentional community-building, both online and off, can turn isolation into momentum, ambition into impact and shared space into shared success. This conversation blends strategy with soul, lived experience with tangible practices and offers a powerful reminder: when women feel seen, supported and celebrated, they don’t just build businesses, they build movements.
Where women gather, the future gets made.
Presenters:
Negotiation Skills: Balancing Logic and Emotion for Powerful Outcomes
Location: Imperial Ballroom D
This session will explore how the interplay between logic and emotion can be harnessed to become a more effective negotiator. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, attendees will learn to approach negotiations with both confidence and clarity. The discussion will focus on the unique challenges women often face when negotiating on their own behalf – whether for a raise, a promotion or professional recognition – and how these experiences differ from advocating for a client, colleague or child.
Presenter:
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
Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste: Making the Best of Any Situation
Location: Imperial Ballroom A
Stereotypes often describe women as ineffective during a crisis, but this is simply not true. In this session, we will discuss what works and what gets in the way of handling change and challenge effectively. Women who show up well in a crisis are elevated in the workplace and in all areas of their lives.
Presenter:
Leadership Lessons: A Conversation with Past ATHENA Honorees
Location: Imperial Ballroom B
Join us for a powerful panel discussion featuring past recipients of the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award — women who have not only achieved professional excellence but have also dedicated themselves to uplifting and mentoring others in the business community.In alignment with this year’s theme, Believe. Become. Build., these exceptional leaders will reflect on their own journeys — sharing the moments that shaped their belief in themselves, how they became the leaders they are today, and how they continue to build opportunities for others to succeed. This panel will offer authentic insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom for anyone looking to grow as a leader and support the next generation of changemakers.
Moderator:
Panel:
How Women Win: The Habit Behind Confidence, Credibility and Showing Up Like a Pro
Location: Imperial Ballroom C
What actually sets high performers apart isn’t just hard work or time on task — it’s the way they practice, the feedback they seek and the confidence they build intentionally. In this session, we’ll challenge the outdated idea that “effort + time = success” and explore what the research really says about growing into excellence — deliberately.
You’ll learn how to replace repetitive effort with deliberate practice — the kind that produces visible progress and long-term mastery. You’ll explore how to use feedback in a way that builds credibility, trust and confidence — not just with colleagues, but with clients and customers, too. And you’ll discover why asking your customers for feedback is one of the most overlooked superpowers for accelerating growth and deepening relationships.
This session is more than motivational — it’s actionable. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business or growing your influence, you’ll leave with simple strategies you can start using right away to get better, faster — and feel more confident doing it.
Presenter:
Redefining Influence: Leadership Beyond Your Job Title
Location: Imperial Ballroom D
This session explores what true influence looks like outside of traditional authority and focuses on how women can lead powerfully from any seat at the table by showing up with consistency, service, and integrity. It’s built around lessons Waddington has learned growing a family business in a male-dominated industry, leading community initiatives and building culture within her team.
Presenter:
Closing Session
Your Extraordinary Starts Now
Location: Grand Ballroom
We live in a fast-paced, always-on world where the lines between work and personal life often blur. This constant state of busyness may look like productivity, but it often leads to burnout, dissatisfaction and underperformance. So, how do you slow down, cut through the noise and focus on what really matters?
In this energizing and empowering keynote, Olympic medalist Shannon Bahrke shares the powerful mindset, habits and strategies that helped her win America’s first medal of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Bahrke reveals how these tools are just as effective in everyday life and business as they are in elite sport, and how you can use them to unlock your next level of success.
Because your extraordinary doesn’t start someday. It starts now!
Speaker:
Ally Isom, Chief Marketing and External Affairs Officer, Clyde Companies, Inc.
Ally Isom is passionate about bringing people together and tackling tough issues. She is a community leader and strategist where brand, policy, communication and public engagement intersect. With an inclusive and affirming leadership style, she is uniquely skilled at fostering gender intelligent teams and building capacity in future leaders.
Isom is the chief marketing and external affairs officer for Clyde Companies, a century-old, privately held enterprise, with seven subsidiaries spanning the construction, building materials, insurance and land development sectors across fifteen states with more than 6,000 employees. In 2022, Isom left an executive role in nanotech to run as a Republican candidate for the United States Senate. She previously headed up global branding and messaging for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; served as the Utah Governor’s deputy chief of staff, communication director and spokesperson and spent several years in state agency leadership, with extensive experience as a political, legislative and campaign consultant.
Highlights from Isom’s extensive civic contributions and community involvement include service as chair of the Utah Behavioral Health Commission, the Kaysville City Council and boards for the Women’s Leadership Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital, Utah Valley University and Enbridge. She was also recently confirmed by the Utah State Senate to Weber State University’s Board of Trustees.
A testament to the power of education as a portal out of poverty, Ally has a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University. Isom and her husband, Eric, have four children and six grandchildren. When she finds free time, she relishes historical fiction and biographies, preferably on a beach, personal silent retreats in Utah’s breathtaking mountains and mole poblano, pretty much anywhere.
Melanie Bowen is a consummate government affairs professional, having worked in this arena for close to four decades, most of that time with U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch. In addition, she served in the offices for U.S. Sens. S. I. Hayakawa and Pete Wilson of California, where she directed their constituent service casework. For the last twenty years of Sen. Hatch’s Senate service, Bowen served as his State Director. Anyone in Utah who knew Sen. Hatch likely knew Bowen as well.
As state director, she provided daily leadership and management of Sen. Hatch's Utah staff, outreach efforts and constituent services. She also supervised the resolution of federal agency casework and, most notably, was instrumental in overseeing the release of Josh Holt from a Venezuelan prison. Over the course of her career, she represented the U.S. Senate in official delegations to the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China and Switzerland. In 2002, she was awarded the Phoenix Award for Recovery from the U.S. Small Business Administration and was honored to be part of the U.S. Delegation Olympic Torch Lighting Ceremony for the Salt Lake Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece.
Since Sen. Hatch’s retirement in 2019, Bowen has worked as the community relations director for the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation. The Foundation has been honored to host U.S. Senators, Representatives, Cabinet Officials, Ambassadors and Supreme Court Justices at its various events and webinars. In collaboration with the Kennedy Institute, the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation aims to foster civility through its nationally broadcast of The Senate Project debate series. Outside of her Foundation responsibilities, Bowen utilizes her Senate experience in privately consulting on federal legislative issues.
A graduate from Brigham Young University, Bowen has been actively involved in civic and charitable organizations, including the Women’s State Legislative Council of Women, Salt Lake Council of Women and Caring Foundation for Children. She serves as a volunteer at the Utah State Prison. Bowen is married to Dr. Ron Bowen, DDS, has two married daughters, Elysa Dishman and Lindsey Williams, and five grandchildren, and is an avid world traveler.
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.
Jenny Groberg is a wife, mother, champion of women and the visionary CEO and founder of BookSmarts Accounting and Bookkeeping. Committed to empowering women at every life stage, she has brought together a dynamic, all-female team offering a fully customizable suite of services that gives clients full confidence in their financial data. Groberg’s work has been recognized across the world — with four International Stevie Awards, one of Utah's Top 100 Companies Dedicated to Championing Women, Utah Business CEO of the Year and, most recently, when she was named to the prestigious Inc. Female Founders 500. Groberg's financial expertise has been cited in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Accounting Today, Nasdaq, Yahoo Finance, SUCCESS, U.S. News World Report and more. She holds a degree in finance from the University of Utah.
Lauren Gustus is CEO and executive editor of The Salt Lake Tribune, which was the first major metro news organization to become a nonprofit. It achieved sustainability in 2021 under Gustus’s leadership. The Tribune shares its daily reporting with journalism partners across the state through the Utah News Collaborative. In 2023, The Moab Times-Independent donated itself to The Tribune, which oversees its operations. Moab retains independence with respect to newsgathering. Gustus also helped incubate the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a group of 17 organizations focused on elevating solutions to the lake’s challenges that has spurred hundreds of millions in support for the lake. Under her stewardship, The Tribune is working to transition from subscribership to membership in 2026, opening up the nonprofit’s reporting online and making it free to read. Gustus previously worked for McClatchy as West Region Editor, overseeing 10 news organizations in Idaho, Washington and California, including the flagship Sacramento Bee. Gustus has also served as an editor in Colorado, where her work on transparency contributed to a new law that facilitated greater access to public records, and in Reno, where her team’s work on the housing crisis was recognized nationally. She is a coach in the Media Transformation Challenge at The Poynter Institute, supporting news leaders across the country as they look to make performance-driven change.
Sara Jones is CEO of InclusionPro, a business strategy consulting firm. For the past nine years, she has earned the trust of corporate boards and executive teams in co-creating transformative strategies. She brings over 25 years of executive and leadership experience spanning business, technology, content, revenue and legal strategy. Featured by TED, NPR and other international media, Jones is regularly invited as a keynote speaker. Her TED Talk on the intricacies of international adoption has garnered over 2 million views (go.ted.com/sarajones). She is an executive coach and serves as a speaker coach for TEDxSaltLakeCity.
Previously, Jones was CEO of ApplicantPro, an HR technology company where she accelerated revenue by 63%. She served as VP of strategic development at Patent Law Works, an IP firm in Silicon Valley recognized for its diversity. She was a director at School Improvement Network, where she spearheaded product development and business development, sourcing the largest deal in company history. Jones began her career as a patent attorney, leading diversity efforts and becoming a partner at Workman Nydegger.
For over two decades, Jones has championed underrepresented voices. She was co-founder, COO and board member of Women Tech Council for 13 years. She was co-chair of the Salt Lake Chamber Diversity and Inclusion Committee and was a founding board member of the Women’s Leadership Institute. She also served on Congressman Curtis’s Women’s Advisory Council. She currently volunteers to advocate for the passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act. In 2022, she led the unanimous passage of a Concurrent Resolution to support international adoptees, signed by Gov. Spencer Cox.
She promotes board governance and workforce strategy, serving on the Utah State Workforce Development Board and the National Association of Corporate Directors Utah Chapter Board. She was a core member of the Talent Ready Utah initiative, a trustee for the Intermountain Healthcare Salt Lake Valley Hospitals Board, and served on commissions for former Utah State Auditor John Dougall and former Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox.
Jones’s recognitions include the Women’s Leadership Award from Sundance Institute and Zions Bank (2025), the Kirk R. Englehardt Business Ethics Award from Utah Valley University (2024), Distinguished Alumni from the University of Utah (2021) and Utah Business Magazine CEO of the Year (2019). She holds a J.D. from Brigham Young University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah.
As president and co-founder of RSG Performance, Monnica Manuel brings over 20 years of global corporate leadership and coaching experience, paired with an unwavering commitment to her family and community. She has been married to her husband, Brad, for 28 years, and together they have raised three children and now delight in the joy of two grandchildren.
Professionally, Manuel has held senior executive roles including SVP of operations, head of sales and SVP of human resources, where she built a reputation for driving organizational growth, empowering teams and leading with integrity. She holds degrees in Psychology and Economics from the University of Utah and is a trained mindfulness coach through UC San Diego’s School of Medicine. Her work blends strategic insight with a people-first approach, bringing clarity, compassion and meaningful results to the leaders and organizations she serves.
In 2024, Manuel extended her leadership journey into the public arena as a candidate for the Utah State Senate. Her campaign was rooted in community advocacy, inclusive leadership and courageous decision-making — values that continue to guide her work and inspire those around her.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Manuel is deeply engaged in service. She serves on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake and Trauma-Informed Utah, championing initiatives that strengthen youth development, mental health awareness and resilient communities.
Manuel’s life reflects the spirit of a Pathfinder: she forges new paths with courage, uplifts those around her and leads with a vision grounded in purpose and possibility.
Holly Rowe is a three-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, storyteller and cancer survivor who has spent the last 30 years redefining what it means to be a woman in sports.
Known for her electric energy and compassionate reporting, Rowe has become one of the most respected voices in sports media. From college football and basketball to the WNBA, NCAA gymnastics and the Women’s College World Series, she’s been a presence on the sidelines of some of the most iconic moments in athletics.
In 2023, Rowe was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the prestigious Curt Gowdy Award, one of the highest honors in sports journalism. She was also named to the Utah Sports Hall of Fame and, in 2021, made history as the first female analyst for the Utah Jazz.
But her career is only part of her story. After being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, Rowe faced a five-year battle that changed her life — and deepened her mission. Now, in addition to broadcasting, she’s a tireless advocate for cancer research and prevention, using her platform to bring light, awareness and yes — joy — to others.
A Utah native and graduate of the University of Utah, Rowe has also worked as a producer and writer on award-winning features and documentaries, bringing the same curiosity and heart to every story she tells.
Shannon Bahrke was born and raised in Lake Tahoe, CA, and moved to Salt Lake City, UT, in 1998 to pursue her dreams of earning a spot on the U.S. Ski Team and ultimately competing for the USA at the Winter Olympic Games. She made the U.S. Ski Team that very same year and continued on the path of success for the next twelve years. She competed on 6 World Championship Teams, 3 Olympic Teams, brought home 2 Olympic Medals, 7 World Cup wins, 1 Overall World Cup Title and 6 National Titles. She has recently joined her heroes and was inducted into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in March 2024.
Bahrke’s momentum didn’t stop when she stepped off the Olympic podium. Since retiring in 2010, she’s turned her passion for excellence into purpose-driven entrepreneurship. She co-founded and sold a thriving coffee business, authored a children’s book and today she proudly serves as CEO of not one — but TWO companies: Team Empower Hour, delivering leadership and team-building programs to organizations around the globe, and Champions Advantage, a game-changing mental skills program that empowers youth sports teams to develop confidence, sharpen focus and build unshakable resilience — core skills Bahrke mastered on her way to Olympic success.
Whether she’s transforming corporate teams, igniting the next generation of athletes or raising her two incredible kids, Bahrke leads with unstoppable energy, Olympic-level grit and a fierce sense of purpose.
Kristyn Allred is the assistant dean of student affairs and the Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership at the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. She leads the Huntsman Hive, which is a career accelerator connecting students to their peers, to experiences and to professional development. She teaches in the Freshmen Academy, which is a program welcoming all incoming students to the business school. She runs the Dare Mighty Things Together initiative, which brings in top professionals from across the country to meet and mentor students. In 2020, she became the CEO and co-founder of Allred Management Consulting, where she worked as a belonging consultant. In 2019-2020, she conducted global DEI research engaging people from 38 countries. Prior to consulting, she worked for the Mason School of Business at William & Mary, executing programs focused on women’s leadership, alumni engagement and entrepreneurship. She and her husband have traveled to over 100 countries and have five incredible kids.
Tessa Arneson is an entrepreneur, angel investor and designer who leads with heart. As the co-founder of Maven, she has transformed a small Pilates studio into a thriving ecosystem of 100+ women-owned businesses, redefining what it means to build with purpose. A big dreamer and community builder, Arneson believes success is about alignment, growth and impact. At Maven, she brings a people-first perspective, helping listeners lean into their evolving passion. Beyond Maven, she’s a girl mom, wellness enthusiast and world traveler, always seeking inspiration through art. Arneson is committed to lifelong learning and using her platform to create spaces where women can lead brave and intentional lives.
Nicole Carpenter serves as the director of programs and operations for the Women’s Leadership Institute, a 501(c)(3) working to elevate Utah women in business and politics. In addition, Carpenter is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.
Previous to WLI, Carpenter advocated for women as an author, speaker and founder of MOMentity.com, which was an online community for overwhelmed moms. Carpenter was a syndicated columnist for 5 years and is the author of “52 Weeks to Fortify Your Family: 5-minute messages” (Cedar Fort 2015). Carpenter has a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Weber State University.
Carpenter loves to read and paint watercolors and is raising four kids ages 20, 18 and 15-year-old twins — who are starting to leave the nest. This means she really spends her time waiting up late for teenagers to get home, keeping high-quality snacks in the pantry and building parental bonds through texts, memes and TikTok.
Havilah Clarke is a global marketing communications and corporate affairs leader with experience across Fortune 500 companies, startups and nonprofits. Having guided organizations through transformative growth, operational challenges and reputation management initiatives, her career highlights include spearheading campaigns that integrate innovation, inclusivity and sustainability to drive meaningful impact. An accomplished business leader, Clarke also provides strategic consulting to clients across health care, education and technology. She has a proven track record in navigating cross-functional decision-making processes, fostering collaboration and delivering solutions that align with organizational missions and stakeholder priorities. Her expertise spans strategic planning, change management, product marketing and executive communications. Clarke holds an MBA from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business and a BA in International Communications from the American University of Paris. Multilingual and globally minded, she brings a unique perspective to discussions on business leadership, innovation and the future of work.
Amanda Covington is Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for the Larry H. Miller Company. She recently served as senior vice president of communications and government relations for Vista Outdoor Inc. Covington has more than 20 years of experience leading corporate communications and government relations strategies impacting financial communications, crisis communications, domestic and international media/public relations, corporate branding and advertising, digital media, employee relations, public policy and legislation, industry associations and community relations.
Prior to Vista Outdoor, Covington served as vice president of corporate communications for ATK, an aerospace, defense and commercial products company. Before joining ATK, she was the assistant commissioner for public affairs at the Utah System of Higher Education. While there, she led communications and legislative relations strategies for the State Board of Regents. Covington also served as the deputy for communications and spokesperson for Utah Governor Olene S. Walker and the director of communications for the Utah Department of Transportation. She has a background in broadcast journalism, working for Utah’s NBC and ABC affiliates.
Covington serves as chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education, is on the advisory board for First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up Utah Initiative and serves on the board of directors for the Salt Lake Chamber and 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense.
In 2023, the Salt Lake Chamber honored Covington as an ATHENA, and she was named as one of Utah Business Magazine’s “30 Women to Watch.”
She is a graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the Honors College and a Master of Public Administration. Covington enjoys spending time with her husband, grown children and dogs.
Annie Davis is the chief marketing officer at Northwestern Mutual of Utah. Davis began her career as a broadcast journalist and worked for more than a decade in some of the country’s top markets, like New York City, Denver and Salt Lake City. Davis leveraged her journalism experience into work behind the lens in a number of industries including outdoor recreation, nonprofit, direct selling and financial services. Davis’s background touches on a myriad of public relations, marketing and media skills, which carried her successfully through significant initiatives like the Girl Scouts of Utah’s 100th Anniversary celebrations, an award-winning branding and marketing campaign with Sundance Mountain Resort and building Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. When Davis is not working, you can catch the Southern California native skiing at one of Utah’s world-class resorts, hiking or enjoying time with her family.
Rocky Donati is an entrepreneur, strategist and creative problem-solver who built multi-million-dollar brands in San Francisco before burnout led her to Utah — where she co-founded Maven, challenging women to step into their power, claim financial freedom and lead with unwavering authenticity. After decades in male-dominated industries, Donati knows the pressure to sacrifice femininity for success. At Maven, she proves that logic and intuition aren’t mutually exclusive, blending big-picture thinking with a strong sense of self. When she’s not shaping the future, Donati fully embraces her inner hermit, escaping to the wilderness with her partner in crime and two Aussie pups, allowing nature to recharge her. Always seeking clarity and questioning the status quo, she’s carving her own path and inviting others to do the same.
Emily Griesing is a brand strategist, entrepreneur and marketing expert who advises professionals and organizations on how to stand out in a competitive market. As owner and chief strategy officer of Bossible, she develops tailored strategies to elevate brand visibility and drive growth. Griesing has advised businesses of all sizes — including startups, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies — offering actionable insights across various industries. With a background in market research, she brings a data-driven approach to solving business challenges. A recognized voice on branding, marketing and entrepreneurship, Greising regularly writes, speaks and leads workshops nationwide, sharing strategies to build reputation and unlock opportunity.
Michelle Kennedy is the CEO of Plato Media Co., a corporate event production company based in Utah that partners with clients nationwide to deliver high-impact conferences, summits and brand experiences. She began her career as an attorney advising digital media clients and creative entrepreneurs on contracts, branding and business growth. After transitioning into the events industry, Kennedy helped build and scale an event production company from the ground up before launching Plato Media Co. Her work blends strategic planning with a deep focus on relationships, leading teams that prioritize clarity, excellence and connection. In addition to producing events, she is a speaker on leadership, resilience and building strong professional networks.
As CEO of Park City Wealth Advisors, Morgan Lemaitre specializes in helping entrepreneurs, executives and families turn concentrated stock positions, real estate windfalls and business liquidity events into long-term, legacy wealth. Her firm is a one-stop shop for people with 7- and 8-figure portfolios who want to de-risk in smart, tax-efficient ways — without losing their entrepreneurial edge.
She’s also the founder of Park City Investment Solutions, a boutique OCIO firm that empowers financial advisors with institutional-grade investment strategies and tools to elevate their practices. Lemaitre believes in raising the bar for the industry, delivering big-firm capabilities with small-town values.
A keynote speaker and media contributor, Lemaitre is passionate about financial literacy, smart investing and championing the next generation of women leaders and founders. Her insights have been featured in ABC, the Los Angeles Times, Yahoo! Finance, The Ritz Herald and more.
Before founding her firms, Lemaitre spent more than a decade at Raymond James, Goldman Sachs and UBS. She’s also a former U.S. National and World Junior Team figure skater, a two-time U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist and a classically trained French Chef.
She lives in Park City, Utah, with her husband, Dan (a medtech CEO), their daughter, Poppy, and their Maine Coon cats, Nyx and Hobbes. When she's not guiding clients, financial advisors or giving keynotes, you’ll find her on a mountain trail, probably in running shoes or ski boots — often both in the same week.
Tanya Lewis focuses her practice on commercial litigation, with an emphasis on the financial services industry, where she is known for her creative problem-solving and practical approach to complex disputes. She regularly represents major financial institutions in matters involving federal and state consumer protection statutes, breach of contract issues, tort law claims and lender and servicer liability related to mortgage lending, automotive lending, transportation, loan servicing, foreclosure and credit matters. Lewis has significant experience defending clients against claims involving fraud and misrepresentation, wrongful foreclosure, and alleged violations of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).
Before establishing her practice in Utah, Lewis spent several years in Las Vegas representing insurance companies and self-insured common carriers in insurance defense litigation. She is deeply committed to community engagement and empowering women, and currently serves as chair of the Salt Lake City office’s Community Involvement Committee.
Lisa Martinez is the senior manager of commencement and alumni events at Western Governors University (WGU), where she leads the strategic planning and execution of the university’s flagship events. These large-scale gatherings attract tens of thousands of attendees and serve as a cornerstone of connection for WGU’s 10,000 staff members.
With over a decade of experience in managing high-impact events, Martinez specializes in higher education programs that foster lasting relationships among alumni, faculty and staff. She holds an MBA from Western Governors University and lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, two teenagers, a dog and two beloved cats.
Amanda Colleen Mather, PMP, is a supervisor of commencement and alumni events at Western Governors University, leading a team that produces events drawing over 100,000 attendees annually. She holds master's and bachelor’s degrees in ancient Near Eastern Studies, with emphases in Assyriology and Hebrew, from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Brigham Young University. Her academic and professional experience fuels her appreciation for international perspectives, research, and strategic planning. Outside of work, Mather serves on the board of The Romney Theater, debuting in Winter 2025. She also leads private tours to Israel, Palestine and Jordan, and performs with the Mountain West Highland Dance Association. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, discovering new restaurants and researching Utah women's history.
Molly Mazzolini is a creative professional, Salt Lake City transplant, Central Ninth building owner and entrepreneur. She independently co-founded Infinite Scale, a trailblazing sports design consultancy and proudly certified women-owned business. Mazzolini leads with vision, driving brand integration for iconic venues like Levi’s® Stadium, Little Caesars Arena, Chase Center and Daytona International Speedway, as well as MLB and the College Football Playoff National Championship Games.
Recognized as one of Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers and a VenuesNow All Star, Mazzolini also co-founded the Utah chapter of WISE — Women in Sports and Events — to expand professional networks and create space for the next generation of sports leaders in the state. Her dedication to giving back is clear: she led the all-female team that rebranded WISE National and now serves on its advisory board, shaping its future.
Deeply committed to her community and the Olympic legacy in Utah, Mazzolini sits on the board of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and plays a pivotal role on the 2034 Organizing Committee management team – officially awarded the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games by the IOC.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans and a master’s in Strategic Communications from Westminster University.
Dr. Donna Milavetz is the chief medical officer for Cambia Health Solutions, the parent company of Regence. Prior to this, she had been serving as the executive medical director of Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah.
Dr. Milavetz has 20 years of clinical experience in internal medicine so is well suited to oversee population health. Dr. Milavetz also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota and trained at one of Harvard University’s teaching hospitals. Prior to joining Regence, Dr. Milavetz was on the faculty at the Mayo Clinic and co-director of the Women’s Heart Clinic.
She then went on to become the medical director of the Intermountain Healthcare McKay Dee Women’s Health Center in Ogden, Utah. After that position, she started an employer-based primary care company named OnSite Care. In 2019, she sold the company and went on to senior executive positions with Steward Healthcare, where she was responsible for running the clinical operations of its Accountable Care Organization. Volunteerism is important to Dr. Milavetz, as she currently serves as a board member for Jewish Family Services.
Tia Pappas is an operations and experience leader who helps founder-led businesses scale sustainably by building intentional, repeatable systems. A pro at designing scalable infrastructure for both employees and AI agents, she brings operational clarity to teams navigating rapid growth, change or complexity.
In 2016, Pappas co-founded Habits at Work in Chicago, where she built and delivered performance programs for Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Pinterest and more — focused on the behaviors that drive sales and leadership excellence.
She was a founding member of Northwestern’s Kellogg Sales Institute and contributor to Entrepreneurial Selling™, named one of Inc.’s “Top 10 Sales Courses in the U.S.”
A graduate of Westminster College, Pappas blends psychology, financial strategy and operational rigor to help businesses grow with intention.
An accomplished executive leader with decades of leadership, sales and marketing experience, she led the number one broadcast team in Utah for the national media company, Bonneville. As Bonneville’s first female VP/general manager, she is a proven big-picture thinker, aligning vision and strategies to grow businesses and increase market share.
She launched the first all-female radio station in the country, tapping into her ability to create and capitalize on networks and business connections.
Later in her broadcast career, Redgrave joined the Zions Bank executive communication team as a Sr/VP and interacted with thousands of businesses across several states on 23 radio stations. Inspired to promote Zions, she increased her public speaking platform to hundreds of assignments across two states.
With leftover money she fundraised for the 68th UN Conference in SLC, Redgrave co-founded the Global Leader Scholarship Fund for Utah Students, which remains active today.
She serves on numerous boards and lives in Utah with her husband, David Chipman, and their two wonderful dogs.
Kelsey Richins is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual Utah, working out of the Logan District Office. Richins started her financial advising firm in 2017 while completing her master's degree in accounting and studying taxation. She has continued to grow her firm since and specializes in retirement income planning and tax strategy. Her favorite thing about her job is getting to spend time with people from different cultures, backgrounds and life stages. She splits her time today between caring for her two children and managing her firm. Richins and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors with their children, especially trail running and swimming.
Rena Vanzo is a mom, daughter, sister, auntie, niece, cousin and friend to a multitude of amazing women. Aside from raising her two energetic and inquisitive boys, she founded the new mobile mammogram business, The Boob Bus, which arrived in early 2024. Prior to The Boob Bus, Vanzo served as a licensed and certified genetic counselor at Primary Children’s Medical Center, advocating for families with children with birth defects, inborn errors of metabolism or intellectual disabilities. She then became the first genetic counselor at a start-up genetic testing laboratory, serving there for over a decade before leaving the industry to pursue two additional master's degrees – Business Administration and Business Creation – from the University of Utah. Vanzo’s professional passion centers upon disrupting the status quo by innovating new and unique service delivery models. In her “spare time,” Vanzo enjoys group fitness classes, reading fiction titles, dancing and jigsaw puzzles
Holly Waddington is the executive vice president of Carpet Diem, a residential flooring and design company based in Draper, Utah. Under her leadership, the company has grown to over $28 million in annual revenue, including a $9M design division she launched in 2018. Carpet Diem has been recognized as one of Utah Business’s Fastest 50 Growing Companies and Best Companies to Work For, and is a four-time Best of State winner in the flooring category. Waddington was honored as one of Utah Business’s Most Influential Women in 2024 and received the 2022 NAHB Young Professional Award. She currently serves as Board President of HomeAid Utah, where she leads housing and outreach projects that provide critical resources for families and individuals experiencing homelessness across the state.
Mindy B. Young leverages her extensive background in nonprofit management, fundraising, arts and advocacy to bring teams together and create community. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah and combines her professional expertise with her passion for creating meaningful impact in the nonprofit, education and arts sectors.
As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and accomplished corporate speaker, Young brings strategic vision to organizational development and team building. Her career in education spans teaching at multiple institutions, including Utah Valley University, Southern Utah University and the University of Utah, where she specialized in theatre, public speaking, teacher training, program development and ESL instruction. She and her partner, Ro, are the founders of Constructive Alchemy, a consulting firm bringing nonprofits and businesses creative solutions for capacity building.
With over two decades of experience in event production and directing, Young has orchestrated numerous high-profile events, including the Allies Gala during her tenure as managing director at Equality Utah. These events have featured renowned figures such as Gloria Steinem, Billy Porter and the Indigo Girls. Her most fulfilling role is that of mother of five fantastic boys.
| 2020-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 |
| 2023: Amanda Covington, The Larry H. Miller Company | 2013: Dr. Linda Leckman, Intermountain Healthcare | 2003: Becky Berkey Potts, AT&T Wireless | 1993: June Morris, Morris Air | 1987: Patricia Shoemaker Glessner, KSL TV |
| 2024: Dr. Donna Milavetz, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah | 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: Heather Doggett, Marlise Fisher, Natalie Kaddas, Kacie Malouf, Sui Lang L. Panoke, Pres. Astrid Tuminez | 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 |
| 2023: Lucy Cardenas, Natalie El-Deiry, Kaitlin Eskelson, Deneiva Knight, Pauline Ploquin | 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 |
| 2024: Sen. Ann Millner, Kerry Norman, Liz Owens, Noella Sudbury, Diana Young, Jessica Yurgaitis | 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. |