With passion for excellence and competitive fire, today’s businesswomen are making waves in Utah’s business community. Thirty of the state’s brightest and most dynamic businesswomen were celebrated during Utah Business magazine’s 9th annual 30 Women to Watch luncheon Thursday.

“These women have made great strides in business and are not showing any signs of slowing down,” said Martin Lewis, publisher of Utah Business magazine. “They continue to evolve, to take risks, to create, to challenge the status quo and to inspire those around them…What a positive impact they are having on the economic development and business climate in our state – now and for the future. They continue to build upon the foundations set for them by others who came before them, and in-turn they are building the framework of success for future business leaders in Utah.”

Each honoree brings something unique to Utah’s business community, many juggling their careers and families without dropping a ball. Citing compassion, perseverance and the ability to change, each honoree was given the opportunity to share insights into what has led her to success.

“The key factor for me has been endurance,” said Johanna Nielsen, senior manager at Grant Thornton. “It’s so important to continue working hard. If you work hard, you’ll make it.”

“Form relationships,” said Linda Hofmann, chief nursing officer at Intermountain Healthcare Urban North Region Hospitals. “You can work through any problem that comes up if you have an established relationship.”

“You can be a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Melissa Wright, president of Axiom Financial. “Sometimes we, especially women, are hesitant to take opportunities. You don’t have to wait around for things to happen to you. Believe that you can do a good job no matter what it is. Whatever you choose to do, do it well.”

Having reached success, many women said they now strive to help others. “Once you’ve achieved a certain measure of success, you have a responsibility to give back,” said Karen George, CEO and managing director for Wasatch Clinical Research. “We need to help people with the lessons we’ve learned.”

With ambition and hard work, these women have made their dreams come true. They are CEO’s, scientists, attorneys, wives and mothers. They are women breaking barriers and shaping Utah’s business community. “I’ve never looked at gender as an asset or a liability,” said Chris Hipwell, director of marketing at Wadman Corporation. “If you look at gender as a liability, it will be a liability. We should be judged and measured by who we are and our accomplishments.”

The 2008 30 Women to Watch are:

Each woman was profiled in the April issue of Utah Business magazine.