On September 9th at 12:00 Noon at the Holiday Inn the St. George Local Chapter of Business and Professional Women (BPW) will recognize the following women: Marianne Sorenson, Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans, Dr. Joan Eggert, Berniece Godfrey, Shelly Kirk NP, Darci Hansen, Carmen Snow, Carolyn Washburn, Jan Broberg Felt and Robynne Burgess. These woman have been chosen as the 2008 Women of Achievement. The “Woman of Achievement Award” recognizes excellence in the categories of: the Professions, Academics, Humanitarianism, Philanthropy, Entrepreneurialism, Media Communications, Public Service, Leadership, Cultural Arts and Entertainment.
Marianne Sorenson - Jones Waldo Women’s Lawyer Group. Marianne was voted one of Utah’s “30 Women to watch” by Utah Business Magazine. She spent a year as an interrogator during Deseret Storm. She helped form the group CREW Utah, the local chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women Organization and also serves as the treasurer of the Real Property Section of the Utah State Bar. Marianne is being recognized for excellence in the Professional category
Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans - Dixie State College,Vice President of Academics. As the first female vice president at the college, Donna is serious about helping Dixie along that route to full status as a four year institution. Most recently, she gained another responsibility: she was invited to be on the Utah Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council. She is a Tenured Rank Associate Professor of Mathematics, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a lifetime member of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Delta Kappa. Donna is being recognized for excellence in the area of Academics.
Dr. Joan Eggert - Dixie Regional Medical Center Hyperbaric Unit: Southern Utah Women’s Health Center. Dr. Eggert serves the community as a Gynecologist and uses her knowledge of SCUBA diving as she applies it to the Hyperbaric Chamber to save lives, limbs, and provide relief to burn victims. She serves on Dixie Regional’s Continuing Education and Patient Safety committees. She serves on the board of BPW as Past President, and is the Past President of the Utah Dietetic Association as well as the Past President of the University of Utah Chapter, American Medical Women’s Association. In addition, she has taught “Youth Impact” after school programs in Ogden, Utah Dr. Eggert has helped her patients personally when needed beyond the realm of office practice. Dr. Eggert is being recognized for her Humanitarian efforts.
Berniece Godfrey – Philanthropist. Berniece Godfrey has touched the lives of countless people in Southern Utah through her support of local charities and charitable causes. Most notable is her support of the Dixie Regional Medical Center Charitable Foundation and the American Cancer Society. She also motivates others to contribute as well, and has helped establish local educational programs and resources, a newborn intensive care unit, a second Jubilee Home as well as many other important projects. Bernice is being recognized for her Philanthropic efforts.
Shelly Kirk, NP – Medical Director, Red Hills Wellness Center-- formerly Women’s Wellness Center. Shelly’s practice provides a more holistic approach to meet health and wellness needs. She is a member of the NPWH, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s health, as well as AANP, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Shelly is an advocate in blending traditional medicine with Holistic Medicine. She serves on the board for Heartwalk Foundation to assist the Peruvian Villages in the Andes Shelly is being recognized for Entrepreneurial excellence.
Darci Hansen – Publisher, elan Woman Magazine. Darci was recognized by the St. George Chamber of Commerce as the 2007 Entrepreneuer of the year. She started a very successful magazine, elan Woman, while helping her husband run Hansen Landscaping, a 3 time best of State Company. Darci has served on the Utah State PTA board for the past 10 years. She was also a member of the 2002 Olympic and Para-Olympic Committees, American Cancer Society Board, and was the Chairman of the Washington County School District Foundation Board. Darci is being recognized for excellence in the area of Media Communications
Carmen Snow - Co-Owner, DATS Trucking; Regional Manager, Pykettes ladies clothing store. Carmen is a volunteer extraordinaire. Her love is serving the students in the public education system. Carmen is a Past PTA President for the State of Utah, has served as a Board Member-Foundation for Students of Washington County for 10 years and is presently serving on a State Education board in Salt Lake City. Carmen is being recognized for Excellence in the area of Public Service.
Carolyn Washburn - Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Washington County. Carolyn was presented the “American’s Promise” award in 1997 by General Colin Powell. She has been a school board member and educator for 27 years. Carolyn provides education in Food Safety and Nutrition, Financial Management, Family Relations, and Emergency Preparedness. Carolyn has a Masters Degree in Education. She sits on the board of BPW, serving as Vice President. She volunteers at the Dove Crises Center, is the Chairman of the Washington County Marriage Coalition, and is the Chairman of the Women’s Conference in Dixie. Carolyn is being recognized for excellence in the area of Leadership.
Jan Broberg Felt – St. George Musical Theater. Jan is an actress, singer and dancer. She has appeared in over a dozen feature films. Some of her film credits include: Mobsters and Mormons, Message In A Cell Phone (Disney) and The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The Journey. Jan has appeared in many TV shows, including Touched By An Angel (CBS), Promised Land (CBS), and Death Row (PBS). Perhaps her most notable role was in the WB series Everwood as Nurse Louise. Jan is a veteran stage actress and has had starring roles in the following: The Sound of Music (Tuachan Theatre), I Do! I Do! (Sundance Theatre), Carousel (Idaho State University) and No No Nannette (Playmill). Jan has overcome many obstacles in her life including abduction, sexual abuse and brainwashing. She has risen above to tell her story and educate parents on protecting their children. Jan is the National Spokeswoman of Child Shield USA. Jan is being recognized for her excellence in the area of Cultural Arts.
Robynne Burgess - Co-Host of the Robynne and Tommy Morning Show on Star 98 FM, Cherry Creek Radio. Formerly known as “Lady Hawk,” Robynne volunteers her radio time to numerous businesses by helping families with “special needs children” during the Learning Center’s Autism Awareness Month. Robynne also lends her vocal talents by emceeing for various charitable organizational events. Robynne is being recognized for excellence in the area of Entertainment.
BPW is an International Organization founded in June 1919 with 23,000 members in 1,600 chapters. BPW sponsors local and national scholarships and helps women with career advancement and entrepreneurial success.
BPW is pleased to honor these exceptional women at their monthly luncheon on September 9th. For luncheon information contact Nina Heck with Oh My Heck Marketing at 435-703-1181 or email: omhmarketing@hotmail.com.
