In November, the Salt Lake Chamber hosted its 49th Annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon, celebrating the accomplishments of women in Utah’s business community.
The day-long event brought together professionals from across the state and included keynotes by Holly Rowe, ESPN Hall of Fame Sports Commentator, and Shannon Bahrke, two-time Olympic Medalist, founder and CEO, as well as many esteemed breakout session speakers.
During the awards luncheon, the Chamber presented the ATHENA Leadership Award, which is awarded to a woman who, according to the Salt Lake Chamber, "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." This year’s recipient of the prestigious recognition was Ally Isom, who is the Chief Marketing and External Affairs Officer at Clyde Companies, Inc., a Utah construction company.
Additionally, five women received the Pathfinder Award, awarded because they create new paths to promote the development and recognition of women in business. The five awardees were:
- Melanie Bowen, Community Relations Director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation
- Jenny Groberg, CEO and Founder of BookSmarts Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Lauren Gustus, CEO and Executive Editor of The Salt Lake Tribune
- Sara Jones, CEO of InclusionPro
- Monnica Manuel, President and Co-Founder of RSG Performance
Jordan River City Lifestyle's photographer, Jen Fox, was present at the conference and says the experience was motivating and connecting. "What stood out to me most was the powerful sense of community," Jen says. "Utah has an incredible network of women supporting women, and it is a beautiful thing to witness."