Dr. Cynthia Bioteau is 2010 Athena Award Winner

SALT LAKE CITY — Dr. Cynthia Bioteau, the president and CEO of Salt Lake Community College, has been named the winner of the 2010 Athena Award by the Salt Lake Chamber.

Bioteau, who has 35 years of experience as an educator and administrator, is the first woman to serve in this position. Among other things, she created the Women's Business Institute to provide programs and financial assistance to female entrepreneurs.

"Working to stretch the limits of perceived expectations of what women can do and what they can achieve has been a focus throughout my career," Bioteau said. "I'm honored to receive the Athena Award."

The award is the highest bestowed by the Salt Lake Chamber and, in the past, has gone to other notable women in the community who have had exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the community.

The award is sponsored by Wells Fargo Women's Financial Services.

Bioteau will be given her award on Nov. 16 at the American Express Women & Business Conference and Wells Fargo Women's Financial Services Athena Award luncheon.

"Dr. Bioteau embodies the spirit of the Athena," said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. "Her leadership has been key to the success of one of our state's largest and most important educational institutions and her commitment to developing Utah's workforce is invaluable."

In addition, five other women will be recognized with Pathfinder awards for their community leadership and efforts to promote the development of women in business.

They are: Amy Rees Anderson, CEO of MediConnect Global; Amanda Dickson, co-host at KSL News Radio; Nicole Mouskondis, senior vice president of Nicholas & Co.; Diane Mansfield, vice president of human resources for Questar Corp.; and uz Robles, Utah state senator and diverse market business development manager at Zions Bank.

— Linda Thomson