2025 Women In Business Thrive Series

Leadership Excellence: Drive Success and Inspire Teams
Sharlene Wells, Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Organizational Communications, Mountain America Credit Union
June 11, 2025

Event Description

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The 2025 Women in Business Thrive Series is a transformative 12-month program, powered by the Cache Valley Chamber, designed to expand and accelerate women's potential. Through high-impact presentations from Utah's top women leaders, focused networking opportunities, and catered lunches, participants will gain the skills and confidence to achieve their goals. Join us as we empower women to lead, innovate, and inspire.

This program is designed for aspiring, mid-and executive level managers aiming to elevate their leadership skills and excel at any level. It focuses on enhancing key leadership competencies such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and organizational behavior, while also addressing essential team management skills including emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution. 

The training equips managers to navigate complex challenges, build high-performing teams, and foster a positive and productive work environment. Participants will gain valuable tools and insights to enhance their leadership effectiveness, drive team success, and achieve outstanding results in their current and future roles.

Challenge: Implement one new effort in your leadership role

Resources: 

Implementable Takeaways:

• Enhanced understanding of leadership competencies including strategic thinking, decision-making, and organizational behavior skills

• List of new ideas for elevating your leadership

• Implemented on new idea to boost your leadership effectiveness

Sponsor

Cache Valley Chamber

Workshop Agenda:

11:30am Lunch & Networking

11:50am Welcome

12pm Presentation

12:50pm Raffle Drawings & Wrap Up

1pm End

Raffle Prizes

TBD

Raffle prizes for each luncheon are generously donated by local organizations and individuals and all attendees receive a complimentary raffle ticket. Buy additional raffle tickets for your chance to take home a prize. 100% of ticket sales fund scholarships for local women.

About the presenter

Sharlene Wells, Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Organizational Communications, Mountain America Credit Union
 

Sharlene Wells Hawkes is a dynamic leader with a diverse career spanning sportscasting, philanthropy, and corporate leadership. Born in Paraguay and the only foreign-born, bilingual Miss America (1985), Sharlene has a unique perspective and a passion for making a positive impact.

After graduating from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in Communications and earning a master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from the University of Utah, Sharlene embarked on a successful career in sportscasting. She spent 16 years at ESPN, covering world-class events like the World Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

Her passion for giving back led her to co-found Remember My Service, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the stories of military veterans through digital and printed scrapbooks. Sharlene's dedication to this cause was instrumental in her role at StoryRock, where she worked closely with veterans and the Pentagon to document their service.

In recent years, Sharlene has made significant contributions to the community as the SVP of Public Relations and Organizational Communications at Mountain America Credit Union. Under her leadership, the Mountain America Foundation has expanded its scholarship program, providing opportunities for deserving students.

Sharlene's career journey is a testament to her versatility, resilience, and commitment to making a difference. Her experience as a sportscaster, philanthropist, and corporate leader has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to inspire and empower others.

As a role model for women in leadership, Sharlene emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and finding a career that aligns with your passion. Her advice to the next generation of business leaders is to be bold, fearless, and resilient in the face of challenges.

Upcoming Workshops*:

July 9: Entrepreneurial Mindset: Discover Opportunities for Business and Career Growth, presented by Lavanya Mahate, Saffron Valley Restaurants and the RISE Culinary Institute

August 13: Money Matters: Navigate Your Finances and Future with Confidence, presented by Trina Limpert, Tech-Moms

September 10: Networking Essentials: Build and Enhance Your Professional Connections, presented by Dr. Donna Milavetz, Regence BlueCross BlueShield

*Subject to change.

2025 WIB Thrive Series overview

About Women In Business