Fifteen women have been selected as finalists in the first annual Women Tech Awards, presented by Women Tech Council and MountainWest Capital Network.  This program is designed to recognize technology-focused women who are driving innovation, leading technology companies, and are key contributors to the community. Finalists and winners will be honored at a special awards luncheon on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the Little America, hosted by MountainWest Capital Network.

Finalists, listed alphabetically, are as follows:

• Amy Rees Anderson, MediConnect Global, Inc.
• Sally Brown, Autoliv
• Cheryl Snapp Conner, Snapp Connor PR
• Sanchaita Datta, Fatpipe Networks
• Deborah Eppstein, Q Therapeutics
• Juliana Freire, VisTrails
• Patricia Goede, VisualShare
• Tamara Goetz, GOED
• Michelle Gunter, MarketStar
• Rachael Herrscher, TodaysMama
• Inita Lyon, University of Utah
• Brenda Mann, Sentrx Animal Care
• Jan Miller, Standers
• Xinru Page, NextPage
• Susan Preator, Imagine Learning

Devin Thorpe, president of MountainWest Capital Network and managing director of TOIP at USTAR, said “The Women Tech Awards program is on its way to becoming the premier recognition for women in technology. It enables us to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, rising stars and community to recognize the incredible contributions they are making to the growth of our technology community.”

“The high level of quality that was exhibited in the nominees was a great indication of the talented women we have working in our technology community.” said Cydni Tetro, executive director of the Women Tech Council and VP of products and marketing at NextPage. “This awards program gives us the opportunity to publically recognize the contributions these individuals are making. “

From the 15 finalists, five award recipients will be announced at the September 18^th Awards Luncheon. A selection committee from private industry, venture, government and academic communities selected the winners and finalists. Epic Ventures, Omniture, USTAR, Canopy Ventures and Workman Nydegger will be presenting the awards at this year’s Awards ceremony.

The awards luncheon will begin at noon on September 18, 2008. Vicki Saunders, founder of ImpactAnation.com and CEO of Zazengo.com, will deliver the keynotes address. Vicki has created a concept called “Social DNA” where you can amplify your impact to others. In addition, she created a SHEEO program for women under 30 to submit business plans to receive funding. She has dedicated her time and talent to the building of women in the technology, social and business environments.

Individual seats are $35.00 and a table of eight is $250. To register visit www.womentechcouncil.org or www.mwcn.org, MountainWest Capital Network members can register for no charge.