ST. GEORGE – Utah Business Women of St. George will award ten women with the title, Woman of Achievement 2011, Tuesday, November 8th at 12:00pm at the Lexington Hotel, 850 Bluff Street, St. George.

The 2011 UBW Women of Achievement recognizes outstanding women in education, media, corporate and nonprofit categories. Selections are based on career experience, personal achievements, education and contributions to the community. The theme for this year’s awards luncheon is “HERE’S TO STRONG WOMEN. MAY WE KNOW THEM. MAY WE BE THEM. MAY WE RAISE THEM!”

Recipients of this award are: Sharon Richens, MD (The Professions), Terry G. Ogborn (Academic), Marilyn Groussman Valle (Humanitarian), Patricia Sheffield M.S. (Philanthropy), Michelle Orton (Entrepreneurial), Splendor Sargent (Media), Margie Woodruff (Public Service), Patricia Shoemaker-Glessner (Outstanding Leadership), Signe Adams (Cultural Arts) and Melinda Larson (Entertainment).

The 2011 WOA is presented by Utah Business Women and made possible by Bella Donna Boutique, Canyon Media, Forevermore Evens, JK Jewelers, My Favorite Flowers, Stella & Dot Stylist (Janie Cook), Steamroller Copies/Design to Print, and the Travel Connection.

UBW is a multi-generational, nonpartisan membership organization whose mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workforce through advocacy, education and information. Much of the UBW Foundation commitment to women is to highlight successes and to host and sponsor signature events that empower women. UBW programs benefit local communities and aid in the personal and professional development of the communities’ working-woman. St. George UBW holds regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at the Lexington Hotel and Conference Center on Bluff St. All business and professional women are welcome to attend a meeting before joining.

UBW is pleased to honor these exceptional women at their monthly luncheon on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. For luncheon information, contact UBW PR/Membership Committees chairs: Emily Bermann, [email protected] or Tracy Sahleen, stgeorgerestore@gmail.com.

A biography of all ten recipients is listed below:

Sharon Richens, MD – Richens Eye Center. Dr. Richens has been serving the Medical community from as early as 1987. Additionally, she just celebrated her 10 year anniversary mark of opening her Ophthalmology business here in St. George, providing the community with exemplary eye care and continued commitment to service. Her dedication to the care of her patients is exemplary. Sharon is a UMA Delegate to the AMA, a Vice Speaker for the UMA House of Delegates, on the Health Advisory Board for The Learning Center Early Head Start; she has and continues to serve on the Board of Directors in many organizations including the St. George Chamber of Commerce and the Coral Desert Surgery Center. Dr. Richens is being recognized for excellence in the Professional category.

Terry G. Ogborn – Millcreek High School Principal. Terry has been the Principal at Millcreek High School for 25 years. Terry’s philosophy is that education is not hard work, but “heart” work. She has been instrumental in establishing a health and dental clinic on the campus of Millcreek for students, their parents and the community. It has been said that if the students do not have the $10 to go to the clinic, she would always help find a way to pay, even out of her own pocket if necessary. Terry is involved in many Community Service entities including the Utah Food Bank, St George Elks Food Pantry for Success and more. She has also received numerous awards throughout the community (Distinguished Woman of the Year for the AAUW, Excellence in Teaching Award UEA and many, many more). Terry is being recognized for the Academic category.

Marilyn Groussman Valle – Assistance League of Southern Utah, Founding President. Marilyn has touched the lives of so many children, many of which don’t know her, but have benefited from her greatly. After moving to Southern Utah and having been involved in the Assistance League in Salt Lake City, she saw a need for such a program right here in our own Dixie. Ten years ago when she began this amazing project, she clothed 3 children. Last year, she clothed 536 children from 17 Washington County Schools! Marilyn has a BS and MSW degree from the University of Utah. During her employment at the U of U Medical Center Burn Trauma Intensive Care Unit, she presented (and published) research in burn care; and counseled with many patients, staff and family following trauma. She was adjunct professor U of U Department of Social Work. Marilyn is being recognized in the Humanitarian category.

Patricia (Trish) Sheffield, M.S. – Washington County Children’s Justice Center (WCCJC), Director. Fundraising being a large part of Trish’s position at the WCCJC, Trish raised over $500,000 to build the new Children’s Justice Center here in St. George that opened in April 2008. She has written and been granted over 35 grants to support many entities of the Justice Center. During her tenure at WCCJS, Trish has established and strengthened interagency cooperation among law enforcement agencies, DCFS, prosecutors, victim advocates and other professionals in our county in support of the statewide mission to provide a comprehensive response to child victims of crime. Adding to that (to name a few), Trish was appointed by the Governor to the Utah Crime Victims’ Council, was appointed Chair of the 5th Judicial District Victim Rights Committee, was Interim Director of the DOVE Center in 2009, and has volunteered for many community service projects and entities. Trish is being recognized in the Philanthropy category.

Michelle Orton – Owner, New Leaf Coaching—Along with owning her own business, Michelle is also CMO of School of Life Foundation and Public Speaker and NSA (National Speaker’s Association) Board Member. Having dealt with autism, terminal cancer, and reactive attachment disorder in her own children has created a fire inside of her to give back to the community in too many ways to list here. She has been Chairman for the Heart Gallery which showcases children in foster care and places them into homes. During this time, she organized and ran the most successful fund raiser in their history and helped place many needy children. Michelle is Chief Motivational Officer for the School of Life and teaches the homeless on how to get straight “A’s” in life. Michelle is receiving this award in the Entrepreneurial category.

Splendor Sargent – Director, Cherry Creek Radio Cares. Splendor has always been about volunteering in her community, be it in an elementary school or a Corporate Office of a local business. Now that she is Director of Cherry Creek Radio Cares, she has an even bigger voice than she did before. Cherry Creek Radio Cares is a venue for the public to announce their charitable events without having to bear the cost of an advertising expense – more dollars saved equals more dollars for the charitable organization. Because of how she feels about her community, she treats any and all information regarding charitable events reported to the station as if it were her own “baby”. Splendor is the Past President of UBW (Utah Business Women), current Vice President State UBW, is a Dixie Sunshiner for the St. George Chamber of Commerce, on the Synergy Committee, and is on the Board of Directors for The Dove Center, Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation, Family Support Center, First Night, Children’s Justice Center, Dixie Care & Share and the International Festival. Splendor loves serving and helping others as much as she can. She always says that “Giving back is the key to success! Splendor is receiving this award in the Media category.

Margie Woodruff – American Red Cross, Development & Community Relations Director. Margie began her career as a special education teacher for the mentally and emotionally handicapped. After 4 years in the classroom, Margie was promoted to an administrative position, which began her long and successful involvement in Public Service. Although Margie’s husband’s career moved her around, she was never far from being in the hub of helping people. She held positions of Director of Development for a large Catholic parish, raising funds of over $1M for the local community, Director of Special Gifts for the Denver Rescue Mission and more. Margie is a member of the Cedar City, Kanab and St. George Chamber of Commerce, the Local Emergency Personnel Committee (LEPC) for Kane, Iron and Washington Counties, a member of Utah Business Women and a mentor for the UBW Mentoring Program. Margie is receiving recognition in the Public Serve category.

Patricia Shoemaker-Glessner – Outstanding Leadership. Patricia has made a significant mark in many areas of professional and community service. She has been involved in many aspects in the entertainment field. VP of Sales, Bonneville Entertainment, “Spotlight Five”, National Sales Manager for KSL-TV (and more). She had her own daily hour show on WLCY-TV in Florida called “The Good Morning Show” as well as being Miss Pat on the daily Romper Room show. Pat was on the Board of the Utah Jr. Miss Pageant for 17 years along with being involved with UT Prof Saleswomen Assoc Board, Utah Special Olympics Board, Days of 47 Rodeo Committee, Utah Advertising Federation and much, much more. Since moving to St. George, she has been involved in many ways including the Dixie Regional Medical Center’s Governing Board, The Foundation of Dixie Regional Medical Center, “Lights for Life”, Dixie Ladies of Elks, the DOVE center and more than is possible to list. Patricia is being recognized in the Outstanding Leadership category.

Signe Adams – Owner, Nick Adams Photography. As a young girl, Signe devoted most of her time to the study of Russian Ballet, performing as a member of the Ballet Montmartre. Two of her passions today, French and fashion design, were established early on with the study of the French language and a job as a Costume Designer. While living in the San Francisco Bay area, Signe studied with a master silver smith, designing and selling her own line of jewelry. Signe is co-founder and owner of Nick Adams Photography with her husband Nick. They have earned a reputation for excellence in the community and the industry. Signe has become a regular contributor to Elan Magazine as Special Features Editor. Signe was a finalist in the Elan Woman Magazine’s Launch Your World 2011 and has received many photography awards and accolades, nationally and internationally. Signe also finds the time to volunteer in several aspects in our community. Signe is being recognized for her excellence in the area of Cultural Arts.

Melinda Larson – Diamond Talent Products, Inc., Owner/Teacher/Choreographer. Melinda co-created and currently runs (with her huband) their own company, Diamond Talent Productions, Inc. They specialize in training children and teens in the performing arts. Along with having alumni travel all over the world performing professionally, Melinda also volunteers her entertainment expertise in many venues. The Dickens Festival, The Christmas Lighting Ceremony for the New St. George Blvd., Southern Utah’s Jr. Miss Program, Paralympics’ Lighting Ceremony for Southern Utah, Jubilee of Trees are just a few. Melinda performed with David Osmond and the Southern Utah Symphony in a “Broadway Benefit” Concert to raise money for the new hospital. Melinda also, along with her husband, produced, directed and choreographed the Huntsman World Senior Games Opening Ceremonies for 10 years. Melinda is receiving this special recognition in the Entertainment category.