‘They are making the world better’: St. George Area Chamber of Commerce to honor 15 women of achievement

St. George City as seen from the Dixie Rock/Sugarloaf formation at Pioneer Park, St. George, Utah, July 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — In a press release issued last month, the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 2022 Element Award Honorees, who will be recognized at a dinner ceremony next week.

Hildale Mayor Donia Jessop joins Cherish Families founder Shirlee Draper as she discusses how her nonprofit helps former FLDS Church members thrive, St. George, Utah, Nov. 4, 2021 | Photo by Sarah Torribio, St. George News

This will be a capstone event of Women’s History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating business, political and community achievements of women, according to a press release issued by the chamber.

The Element Award honors women who are driving significant social and economic contributions in the Washington County Area. They are the movers and shakers, humanitarians, entrepreneurs and influencers.

These women are in their element, doing what they do best – breaking down barriers. They have exhibited significant leadership and have demonstrated courage in the face of adversity.

“This year’s honorees truly embody the spirit of the element award. They are authentic and true to themselves. They are driven – champions for the causes, people and organizations around them,” said Kelli Charlton, chamber of commerce board member and Women’s Initiative Chair.

“Women like these truly are changing the world where they stand – one person at a time,” she added.

The following women will be recognized as 2022 Element Award Honorees:

  • Kathie Thayne, former CEO for Huntsman World Senior Games
  • Jessica Atkinson, registered dental hygienist/educator
  • Lindsey Boyer, executive director for Dove Center
  • Alissa Urzi, victim advocate for St. George City
  • LuAnn Lundquist, founder and executive director for Memory Matters of Utah
  • Shirlee Draper, director of operations
  • Sharmane Gull, owner of SML Strategic Consulting
  • Nina Barnes, vice chair for the Utah Board of Higher Education
  • Sharon Richens, MD ophthalmologist, CEO of Richens Eye Center
  • Terri Draper, communications director for Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital
  • Dr. Tasha Toy, assistant vice president and senior diversity and inclusion officer for Dixie State University
  • Dr. Jacqueline Powell, associate professor of physiology at Rocky Vista University
  • Judy Cooly, CEO of JNC Property Management
  • Kathy Cieslewicz, director and curator of DSU Sears Art Museum
  • Jill Naylor Mortensen, CEO of J&M Mortensen Corporation

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding business and community leaders for their impact and trailblazing example,” said Don Willie, chamber of commerce president and CEO. “These women have challenged the status quo. They are making the world better for future generations.”

Early bird registration for the Element Awards closed March 1. General registration closes Friday. Attendees can register online at this link. The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. on March 31, at the Dixie Convention Center.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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