Business community honors Sandi Sumner Hendry with 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 11, 2026) – Today, the Salt Lake Chamber hosted its 50th annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon, honoring women who lead, build and clear the way for others who follow. This year’s theme, “Momentum,” celebrates the energy that drives progress, creates opportunity and carries impact forward. View the conference agenda here.
“For 50 years, this conference has brought Utah’s business community together to celebrate women who lead with purpose and open doors for others to follow,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “It’s because of business and community leaders like those we’ve recognized this year that we continue to see Utah prosper. We extend our gratitude to these individuals for their commitment, hard work and innovative solutions. Each has carried their success forward into stronger organizations and stronger communities, and we are proud to recognize them today.”
During the luncheon, the Salt Lake Chamber presented the ATHENA Leadership Award, its highest recognition for women in business, to Sandi Sumner Hendry, founder and CEO of Minky Couture. This award is presented annually to an active member who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession, provides valuable service to improve the quality of life in their community and actively supports women in achieving their leadership potential.
Hendry founded Minky Couture in 2009 after creating a single blanket for her daughter, who requested “a big baby blanket” to snuggle and bring comfort while hospitalized. Today, the company is a nationally recognized brand with multiple retail locations. Minky Couture employs hundreds of women and donates thousands of blankets to charities, hospitals and fundraisers. Learn more here.
In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, six women received the Pathfinder Award for their work to create new paths and promote the development and recognition of women in business. This year’s recipients included:
- Jill Borst, Head of the Salt Lake City Office, Goldman Sachs
- Carin Crowe, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area
- Abby Osborne, Vice President of Impact, Engagement and Enterprise Operations, Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Organizing Committee
- Victoria Petro, Salt Lake City Council Member and former Executive Director, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Sally Steed, Vice President of Sales, Deseret News
- Heidi Woodbury, Senior Vice President for University Advancement, University of Utah
Swig founder Nicole Robison opened the conference with her keynote, “The Swig Effect: Creating a Culture the World Cannot Resist,” where she shared the story behind Swig’s rise and the lessons she gathered along the way. Robison then joined Sarah Starkey, chief legal officer of The Larry H. Miller Company, for a fireside chat. Col. Lisa Jaster, one of the first three women to graduate from the U.S. Army’s first integrated Ranger School, closed the day with her keynote, “Don’t Let the Quit In,” sharing how she persevered through Ranger School at 37 and carried that determination into her leadership.
This year’s 50th anniversary presenting sponsor is Minky Couture. WCF Insurance is the conference sponsor. BW Productions, CHG Healthcare and Enbridge are the event sponsors. The closing keynote sponsors are Clyde Companies, Inc. and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. Aspen Peak Productions, Intermountain Health, Mountain America Credit Union, Select Health, The Scout Guide Salt Lake and the University of Utah are exhibit hall sponsors. The women veterans sponsors are The Boeing Company, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation and Zions Bank.
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About the Salt Lake Chamber
The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest and longest-serving business association and a part of the Utah Chamber portfolio. It represents the broad interests of the Salt Lake metropolitan area, its employers, Chamber members and employees. With roots that date back to 1887, the Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.
