Sen. Pat Jones, D-Holladay, was honored by the Salt Lake Chamber with the Athena Award on Tuesday at the annual Women & Business Conference.

The award is presented each year to a member of the Salt Lake Chamber who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in business and who assists women in reaching their full leadership potential.

Jones, recently voted as Utah's first female Senate minority leader, is president and co-owner of Dan Jones & Associates Inc. She also is involved in chamber activities as a member of the education committee and the board of governors.

"So many women today are extremely well accomplished in their careers and the various aspects of their lives," Jones said. "To be selected was both unexpected and much appreciated."

Active in two of her industry's most important organizations, the Qualitative Research Consultants Association and the Marketing Research Association, Jones also received the prestigious Quintus C. Wilson Alumni Achievement award from the Department of Communication at the University of Utah.

"Pat embodies the spirit of the Athena," said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. "She is a great example to aspiring business women, giving of her time and talents selflessly, not only to run her business, but also to our community, our Legislature and to her wonderful family. The chamber is proud to present her with this award."

Also Tuesday, five women received Pathfinder awards: Silvia Norman, Wells Fargo; Nancy Nowak, Intermountain Healthcare; Karen Suzuki-Okabe, Salt Lake County; Lisa Vehrenkamp, American Express; and Andrea Wolcott, San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank.

Pathfinder awards are presented each year to community leaders who have a history of support for women and women's issues and who have worked to further the development and recognition of women.