For Immediate Release
Salt Lake City: September 11, 2009 - Five extraordinary local women who have achieved excellence in their fields and empowered other women along the way will be honored with the YWCA’s 2009 Outstanding Achievement Awards (OAA at the YWCA’s 21st Annual LeaderLuncheon at the Grand America Hotel on Friday, September 18, 2009. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. This year’s OAA recipients include:
Marjorie A. Chan, Science/Technology/Environment. Marjorie Chan is an outstanding scientist and educator, advocate for women and inspiring role model. She is one of the top sedimentologists in the country, has written two books and over 80 professional publications, and is in demand on the national speaking circuit. She was the first female professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah, and the first female department chair of a university science department in the state of Utah.
Dr. Chan has received several outstanding teaching, research and faculty awards, involve her students in her research projects, and mentored female graduate students who have become faculty members at other universities. Dr. Chan is the Founding Chair of PROWESS (Professional Women in Earth Sciences), a committee dedicated to recruiting, involving, and retaining professional women in the industry. “It is women like Dr. Chan who have paved the way to allow young women to dream and see their dreams become reality,“ says John Diamond, who nominated her for the award.
Sanchaita Datta, Business/Industry. Sanchaita Datta is the beloved mother of twins, innovator of technology and a leading business woman in the field of engineering. Sanchaita is the Chief Technology Officer, Vice President of Engineering and Co-Founder of FatPipe Networks. She owns seven patents and is the inventor of FatPipe’s unique technology. She has received numerous awards for her accomplishments, including being the first recipient of the Women Tech Awards’ Technology Innovator Award in 2008. Sanch was also the keynote speaker at last year’s “Expanding Your Horizons” event at Utah Valley State College with an audience of approximately 1000 young women. Sanch came to the United States from India to pursue her dream of becoming a successful engineer and someday owning her own business. For over 16 years she has promoted and supported the education of young girls and women of India from kindergarten to graduate school by contributing to the Foundation for Women's Education. Her extraordinary success has worked to break down the barriers of racism and sexism
Judy Kasten Bell, Government/Public Service. Judy Kasten Bell is the Executive Director of the Utah Domestic Violence Council—a statewide 36-member coalition with a mission to make domestic violence intolerable in Utah though public awareness, training, advocacy, collaboration, and a 24 hour domestic violence information & referral line. Judy assisted the Davis Citizens Coalition Against Domestic Violence in opening the Davis County domestic violence shelter in 1997 and served as the first director. She worked as an advocate in the community and at the state legislature on behalf of single parents at Utah Issues for seven years. While there, she was editor of “Single Parent News”; co-authored On Being Poor in Utah; administered the Single Parent Job Training Program; and directed a nontraditional employment for women grant for the Department of Workforce Services. She co-founded the domestic violence shelter program in Madison, Wisconsin in 1977. Judy’s volunteer experience includes 12 years at the YWCA of Salt Lake City with 7 years on the Board of Directors including two terms as President. Judy is married to Robert Bell, has 4 children and 6 grandchildren.
Ann Millner, Education. Ann Millner was selected by the Utah State Board of Regents to be the 11th President of Weber State University in 2002, being only the second woman to be appointed president in the Utah System of Higher Education. Dr. Millner has held teaching and administrative positions at numerous Colleges and universities, and throughout her career she has been a powerful role model and mentor for students, staff and faculty. She participates in the Women Presidents’ Network for AASCU (American Association of State Colleges and Universities). Dr. Millner chaired the Women in Management Committee for the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce, and received the Chamber’s Athena Award for professional achievements and support of women. She annually contributes to the scholarship fund in Weber State University’s Support Center for Women’s Services. In January, 2009, the Salt Lake Tribune identified Dr. Millner as “the voice of reason” for higher education and one of the 10 most influential and effective people in working with the Utah Legislature.
Elaine M. Pace, Health/Human Services. Elaine M. Pace is the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Utah, the statewide organization committed to helping girls build courage, confidence, and character while making the world a better place. Elaine earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School in 2000, focusing her studies on nonprofit management and dispute resolution. She previously served as Executive Director of Ogden Nature Center, and as a political consultant in Florida. Elaine is a Governor’s appointee to the Utah Commission on Volunteers (elected Vice Chair in 2007). She serves on the YPO – Utah (Young Presidents Organization) Executive Committee and is on track to become the first female Chapter Chair. A Girl Scout alumna, Elaine thrived on opportunities provided to her as a child by caring volunteers. She spends every day ensuring success for Girl Scouts throughout the state because she knows it works.
A committee including 2008 YWCA OAA winners, one YWCA board member and one YWCA staff member selected the five award recipients for 2009. Please contact Cassi at 801-537-8619 or cricks@ywca.com to attend the YWCA’s LeaderLuncheon or for additional information.
