Founder and CEO of Minky Couture honored with highest recognition for women in business
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 17, 2026) — The Salt Lake Chamber has announced that Sandi Sumner Hendry, founder and CEO of Minky Couture, will receive the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award. This award is the organization’s highest recognition for women in business, and presented annually to an active member of the Salt Lake Chamber 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.
“Sandi Sumner Hendry truly represents what this award is all about,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Sandi started Minky Couture with a single blanket and grew it into a nationally recognized brand. Along the way, she created work for hundreds of talented women and built a company that gives back to families when they need it most. Our state’s economic strength depends on entrepreneurs like Sandi, who lift their communities as they grow their businesses. That is the Utah way, and Sandi embodies it. We are grateful for her leadership and honored to present her with the ATHENA Leadership Award.”
In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, six women will receive Pathfinder Awards at the conference. The Pathfinder Awards are presented annually to community leaders who create new paths promoting the development and recognition of women in business. The Pathfinder recipients this year include:
- 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 Executive Director, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Sally Steed, Vice President of Sales, Deseret News
- Heidi Woodbury, Senior Vice President for Advancement, University of Utah
The ATHENA Leadership Award will officially be presented to Hendry at the 50th Annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon on November 11, 2026, at the Grand America Hotel. This year’s theme, “Momentum,” reflects the energy that drives progress, creates opportunity and carries impact forward. The conference will feature keynote speaker Nicole Robison, founder of Swig, whose session explores how a people-first culture and purposeful leadership turn everyday moments into lasting success. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Women’s Business Center of Utah, supporting programs and resources that help women start, grow and strengthen their businesses.
This year’s conference is sponsored by WCF Insurance. 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, 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.
For tickets and event information, click here.
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