SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (November 12, 2019) – Local business women heard from inspirational speakers, gained business insights, and recognized the accomplishments of those helping to make a difference in our community at the 43rd Annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon.

Two-time Olympic medalist and U.S. National Champion Nancy Kerrigan provided the opening keynote, encouraging attendees to move boldly forward no matter how many hurdles may come in life. According to the athlete, the key is to face them head on and become strengthened in the process.

Following Kerrigan, Gail Miller, owner and chairman of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, and Professor Theresa Martinez of the University of Utah discussed how Utahns can approach critical issues using civility as a lens to ensure we rise above the discord and deliver meaningful change. According to Miller, “We have a responsibility to lead by example, to show our coworkers, families and future generations that we can engage in dialogue, and disagree at times, with respect and decency. We have to stand together to eradicate hate, bullying and intolerance.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from speakers on a variety of topics that included combating the gender wage gap, harnessing the leader’s mindset and using data for good.

The 2019 ATHENA Leadership Award was given to Linda Wardell, general manager of the City Creek Center and Chair of the Salt Lake Chamber for her leadership and contributions to the Salt Lake City community. In announcing the award, Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance said, “To know Linda is to become a better person. Both in business and the community, Linda is an exceptional example of what servant leadership can achieve and how it inspires others. As chair of the Chamber, she has made it her mission to tackle one of Utah’s most pressing issues facing business today–the gender wage gap. Her efforts will ensure Utah has a fairer and more equitable pay environment and that everyone has the same incentives and opportunities.”

In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, the following five women received Pathfinder Awards:

  • Theresa Foxley, president & CEO, EDCUtah
  • Mikelle Moore, SVP, Chief Community Health Officer, Intermountain Healthcare
  • Christy Tribe, president & CEO, Junior Achievement of Utah
  • Melanie Vartabedian, partner, Ballard Spahr, LLP
  • Jennifer Williams, Chief Brand Ambassador, Dental Select

The event took place, November 12, 2019, at the Grand America Hotel, and is the primary fundraiser for the Women’s Business Center of Utah. This year’s conference was sponsored by Dominion Energy and WCF Insurance, and Wells Fargo hosted the ATHENA Awards Luncheon. Boeing, Intermountain Healthcare and Larry H. Miller Group of Companies were event sponsors, and the breakout sessions were presented by American Express, Ancestry and Chase.

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