Julie Johnson is a dedicated and accomplished leader in community development, currently serving as the President/CEO of the United Way of Northern Utah. Throughout her life and career her warm hand of leadership has reached thousands of families, including children and young mothers, offering encouragement and training, to help them build successful, enriched lives. With a wealth of experience in various key roles, Julie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering positive change and enhancing the well-being of the community of Northern Utah.
In her current capacity as President/CEO, Julie provides visionary leadership, fostering a culture of professional development and collaboration, guiding the organization in its mission to address pressing social issues, and improving the overall quality of life in her community.
Prior to her role as CEO, Julie served as the Director of Community Resources, where she cultivated and fostered deep community relationships and identified and leveraged available resources to support community programs. In her position as Welcome Baby Director, she focused on initiatives related to maternal and child health, emphasizing the crucial importance of early childhood development and support.
Julie’s commitment to community engagement is further highlighted by her extensive volunteer experience. For five years, she has actively served on the Weber Charitable Trust Board. She currently serves as co- leader for OgdenCAN board, where she provides leadership and collaboration to address community needs and foster positive change. Julie is actively engaged in public policy and advocacy as she serves on the United Ways of Utah Public Policy Board and is the Co-chair for the Social Services Sub-committee of the Ogden-Weber Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee.
Julie’s impact extends beyond local initiatives as she has been a member of the 211 State Steering Council for over five years, contributing to the coordination of essential services and resources at the statewide level.
Her natural leadership abilities and her passion for community development, coupled with her diverse experiences and deep-rooted commitment, continues to make a significant impact on the Northern Utah community and beyond.
Residing in Ogden, Julie is not only a leader in her professional life but is also very devoted to her family. She and her husband Blain are the parents of four children and have eight grandchildren. Her most proud accomplishment is that of being a mother and grandmother and loves every minute she spends with her family.

Sara Toliver, CDME, is President/CEO of Visit Ogden. A graduate of Ogden High School, she went on to receive both her BS and MBA degrees from Utah State University before opening three retail stores on Historic 25th Street in downtown Ogden. Her participation in the ensuing redevelopment of this historic district led to Sara’s increased involvement in and passion for the Ogden community. This passion continues to drive her in her day-to-day activities to make the greater Ogden area an amazing visitor destination and wonderful place to live.

Sara joined Visit Ogden in 2007. In the ensuing years, the Ogden area has been fortunate to receive great national press and to host a number of national and international sporting events drawing great attention to the trail systems and other natural assets in the community.

Involvement and engagement in the community and industry are incredibly important to Sara. She serves on 15 various boards and committees including the Tourism Development Board for the State of Utah, the Utah Tourism Industry Association Executive Committee, the Destination Marketing Association of the West, and the Destinations International Small Bureaus Task Force. In August of 2021, Sara was inducted into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame.

Sara and her husband, Brett, are the proud parents of twins, who are high school seniors this year. They love skiing, hiking, biking, and pretty much anything else they can do in our beautiful mountains but are really wondering what they are going to do with all of their free time once the kids head off to school next year!

Raquel has demonstrated support for the advancement of business and professional women by being an advocate for other women that are pursuing leadership positions and by using her own experiences to help inspire and encourage them.

Raquel provides trauma-focused counseling, allowing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to regain hope and heal. She works tirelessly with women in the community and on the organization’s board to accomplish the goals of her organization. Raquel is trilingual, which allows her to connect with and empower other professional women of color.

As the current Executive Director of Family Promise of Ogden, Raquel has demonstrated excellent leadership to maintain the organization’s functions and carry out its mission of “volunteers and faith communities coming together to help families cope with immediate crises and achieve sustainable independence.” In particular, she has led the organization to success during the recent pandemic.

Prior to She also served as the Assistant Director of Your Community Connection and later as the Associate Director of Family Counseling Service. As Associate Director, she created program curriculums and worked hard to get them funded. She has extensive knowledge in grant writing, which has helped her in all her positions. She also previously held the position of Director of Programs and Cultural Affairs for Girl Scouts of Utah, where she was the editor and developer of the Spanish magazine, along with completing other responsibilities.

Raquel was a past Weber County Ramp Tax Board Member, past chair of the Weber County Outreach Latino Board, and a past Women In Business board member. Raquel graduated Summa Cum Lade with a degree in Business Administration and earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Danielle Croyle is a graduate of Weber State University’s criminal justice program, she serves as a member of the WSU’s Social and Behavioral Science Advancement Board. She served on the Weber State University Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2012-2019, and as the president of the WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2017-2019. She bleeds purple. She is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy session #250.
Danielle currently works for the South Salt Lake Police Department as the public information officer and training coordinator. Prior to working with South Salt Lake, she was the Administrative Officer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation out of the Salt Lake Field Office. She retired as a police captain after 26 years from the Ogden City Police Department, and has dedicated herself to the safety and well-being of the community. She is passionate about domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault issues. She enjoys skiing, hiking, reading and spending time with her family.

Kimberli is a second-generation Credit Union advocate who started her career in the CU
industry 20 years ago. She has served in many capacities from the teller line, call centers,
collections, lending, corporate training, branch management and most recently senior
management. She found her passion in sales and relationship building when visiting
businesses and serving her community as a branch manager for the Credit Union.
In 2014 when AFCU was piloting the Business Development program, Kimberli was selected to
head the pilot committee. After much success, she was given the reins to create a new
department for AFCU, a $10 billion-dollar organization. For 4 years she managed this dynamic
sales team covering 3 states, 130+ branches and 6000 + Select Employer Group relationships.
Intently focused on a ‘Sales is Service’ culture. As AFCU continued to evolve, she was named
the first Vice President of Business Development within the organization.
Her leadership cultivates synergy, together with the team of 9 sales professionals – Business
Development has built strong relationships for AFCU. Efforts include millions of loan dollars
and thousands of accounts in both the consumer and business markets each year. She
recognizes success doesn’t happen alone and is passionate about bringing every voice to the
table. Kimberli works hard to ensure every interaction at the Credit Union reaches the
maximum potential; where the CU and the Members both succeed.
A regular contributor to the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business
Development Council, she works hard to support others in her field and the Credit Union
movement. Spending volunteer time on committees, speaking at the annual conferences,
moderating webinars and bringing a voice to Credit Union Business Development and Sales
t e a m s .
She appreciates the importance of community and has a genuine love/belief in the CU
Philosophy of ‘People Helping People’, spending many hours serving. Most recently serving as
past chair and women empowered conference chair for the State’s largest Women in Business
committee with 250+ professionals in the Ogden/Weber Community. Kimberli works hard to
give back to the place where she lives, works and plays. She walks the talk and is the first to
jump in, roll up her sleeves and get to work. She prides herself on leading by example and
never asks her team to do something she isn’t willing to do, and usually in high heels! For
years she worked as both as a business development rep and the department manager,
hauling SWAG and supplies to expos, working tables at Employer Groups, volunteering at the
food pantry or serving on the local Boys and Girls Club board…. there is no job too big or too
small. When it comes to Credit Unions, AFCU, its Members, her community and her family,
Kimberli is all in.

Jaynee Nadolski is the Associate Commissioner for Compliance & Governance of the Big Sky Conference, a Division I NCAA conference with 15 members, that span seven western states (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington), and two eastern states (New York and Connecticut in men’s golf). Nadolski also serves the role of the Senior Woman Administrator for the Conference and is the league’s liaison between the NCAA and conference institutions for all compliance, academic and governance issues. Nadolski is the primary liaison for the Presidents’ Council, Conference Council and Faculty Athletics Representatives Council, as well as six other committees in the Big Sky governance structure. In addition, Nadolski oversees special projects such as the 2016 Strategic Planning Committee which set the course for the Conference in branding, size, governance, financial transparency and student-athlete welfare and empowerment. In 2017, she helped to draft and roll out the Big Sky Serious Misconduct Rule, which prohibits Big Sky institutions from providing athletically related financial aid, or allowing practice or competition for both recruits and student-athletes who have a history of serious misconduct. Other special projects include the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Initiative and the Big Sky Health & Wellness Symposium. Nadolski has immediate oversight of women’s basketball, volleyball and tennis, including the championships and the officiating staff in each of those sports. She also oversees the sports information department in the Conference office, as well as the athletic trainers in the league.
Nadolski started with the Big Sky in 2000 as an intern in the sports information department before being promoted to Information Director in 2001. In 2003 Nadolski took on the added responsibilities as the Director of Championships for the league’s postseason events. In the fall of 2004, she was promoted to Assistant Commissioner/Championships. In that position, Nadolski oversaw all aspects of Big Sky Championship events including management, marketing and merchandise sales. From 2000-2003, Nadolski also coached high school girls basketball at both Roy and Northridge High School.

A native of Preston, Idaho, Nadolski came to the Big Sky after playing basketball and volleyball at Weber State. While at Weber State, she interned with the Wildcat Athletic Marketing Department where her responsibilities included developing marketing strategies for volleyball, women’s basketball and soccer, as well as taking an active role in game management. During her time at Weber State, Nadolski also served as the senior sports writer and assistant sports editor for the student newspaper, The Signpost.

Nadolski graduated from Weber State in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in teaching/coaching. She is a member of Women Leaders in Sport (formerly NACWAA),and the Conference Commissioners Association of Compliance Coordinators (CCACA). She is also a graduate of the NACWAA/HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement and has served on the NCAA DI Leadership Council and the NCAA DI Football Recruiting Model Subcommittee, which evaluated the current football recruiting model and made meaningful recommendations to improve the process for prospective student-athletes, coaches and institutions.

Nadolski is passionate about serving her community and volunteers at various non-profit organizations. She was the 2016-17 President of the Junior League of Ogden, which serves to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In 2017, Nadolski created the first formal training program in the league, which included tracks in public speaking and critical skills, as well as a variety of guest speakers. As a capstone to the training program, Nadolski organized the first-ever Junior League of Ogden Reading of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues as a fundraiser for the league’s human trafficking education. For her efforts, Nadolski was recognized by the league as JLO Difference Maker, which is an award given to the member who takes on a project which strengthens the league, and helps it become more dynamic and sustainable to its members and the community.
Nadolski serves on the community advisory board of the Northern Utah YMCA, and is a strong advocate for the program expanding in Ogden. She is a member of the CHAMPS committee, which worked with the Ogden School District Board, coaches, administrators and student-athletes to provide meaningful recommendations to improve the quality of athletics in the Ogden School District. As a result of the year-long study that CHAMPS engaged in, the Ogden School District allocated $250,000 to be split among the two high schools and three junior high schools in the district each year. Additionally, based on the recommendations of the group, the district began a merit-based pay program for coaches that schools across the State are now reviewing for potential implementation. CHAMPS continues to work with both the school district at the city recreation department to help develop a stronger foundation for sport in the Ogden community, re-define sport as an enhancement to student’s education and remove obstacles to participation.
The former Jaynee Paskins, she married Benjamin Nadolski in the summer of 2003, and currently resides in Ogden, Utah. Jaynee and Ben are the parents of two daughters, Hazel (9), and Millie (7), a dog, Bonnie, and two cats: Waldo and Catfish. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, skiing, out-fishing her husband, watching her kids play sports, and the sound of silence while sipping coffee in the morning.

Emily Ballard moved to Ogden ten years ago with her husband, Steve Ballard, and their four children. Together, they opened Sonora Grill in 2008 and Thai Curry Kitchen in 2014. Emily works as the marketing director for both restaurants.
Passionate about improving the community through volunteer activities, Emily became involved with the Junior League of Ogden (JLO). She enjoyed working at Oasis Community Garden, spending her summers pulling weeds and mowing the grass with four young children in tow. She cherished her opportunities working with the Children’s Health Connection, Women’s Health Connection and Dental Days. Emily held different positions on the JLO Board of Directors for four years, serving as Junior League President from 2015 to 2016.
Emily’s commitment to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities was recognized when she was selected as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force for the Association of Junior Leagues International.
Identifying a need for leadership opportunities for young women, Emily launched the Jr. Junior League of Ogden (JrJLO) in 2014, focused on preparing the next generation of female leaders in our community. JrJLO offers volunteer opportunities and leadership training for girls ages 10 to 16 to reach their full potential. Out of 291 Junior Leagues in four counties, Junior League of Ogden is the only league with a Jr. Junior League.
With the goal of raising her own children to value cultural differences and create positive change, Emily sought out international volunteer projects in which to participate as a family. Emily organized Shoes for South Africa in 2013, delivering shoes to schoolchildren in remote villages. In 2015, the Ballard family traveled to Guatemala to volunteer with disabled orphans and elderly women. The Ballard’s also shared their home, their country and their culture by hosting three foreign exchange students from Japan.
This year, Emily participated in three international volunteer projects. In March, she and her husband helped at impoverished schools in India and Cross-Cultural Solutions. In May, she traveled with 20 JrJLO girls to work at an orphanage in Mexico. In August, she volunteered with the Red Cross at a Syrian refugee camp in Greece.
In her free time, Emily loves to plan adventures. She was Co-Founder of the National Park-to-Park Centennial Tour for the National Park Service Centennial Celebration in 2016. Her family successfully completed the month-long tour, camping at 12 national parks in the Western United States.

Adrienne Andrews was named as the 2017 ATHENA Leadership Award® recipient representing the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business, and has accomplished her goal to “prove her worth over the next year to the community.”

Adrienne hoped to build on the work of those who have come before her, “strengthening community connections, providing access and opportunities to improve ourselves and our communities through education, service and collaboration.”

When chosen as the recipient last year, Adrienne said, “I hope to fill the cups of those around me as recognition, listening and support make amazing change possible.” As a longtime advocate for community building and education, she utilized this opportunity to bring women’s ideas, issues and concerns to the forefront of discussions and decision-making within the Women in Business Committee.

Adrienne was selected as the first-ever Chief Diversity Officer at Weber State University in May 2015, and was recently promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President of the Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer. She has worked in the field of diversity and inclusion for more than a decade and is excited to develop new opportunities for community building in this role.

Adrienne is married to Albert “Chip” Andrews. Whenever possible, she loves to travel, knit, quilt, read, write and laugh. Last but not least, her wish is to share her love of knitting. “Finally, I wouldn’t mind teaching people how to knit. It not only lowers your blood pressure, creates a calming emotional effect but also provides a lovely finished product for someone, letting them know you care.”

Christine Jacobson, who has been named as the winner of the Ogden’s 27th Annual ATHENA Award, representing the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business, said she wants to prove her worth over the next year to the community.
Jacobson wants to spend the next year showing the community the power women possess and she hopes to be speaking at as many community engagements as her time allows. “I need to be able to help lift others,” she said. “I am just beginning. I hope every day will make a difference.”

She also hopes to come up with an annual traditional assignment for the winners of this award to bring them into the community spotlight while serving to allow the community to see the accomplishments of those who earn the honor. “I am so honored to be in the company of those women who have received this honor,” she said. “ATHENA is a woman of great character. She is a warrior yet stands for good leadership and kindness.” But for her self, Jacobson wants to live up to the standard of what her award represents.

According to the national criteria for the ATHENA Award, recipients are individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and who actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

The 52-year-old is the owner of Wasatch HealthMart Pharmacy in South Ogden. “I have built my career and life around helping others,” she said. “I’ve been able to give to and serve others.”
She said being able to live her life for others has been great. “I hope my life exemplifies how I can be of service to others,” she said. “That’s what’s important to me. … I am just one small person but if I can make a difference, that’s what’s important to me.”

She said she wants to speak in the community specifically about how to define the woman of today. “We can all make a difference,” she said. “We are setting the right example.”
She hopes people will contact her for this endeavor at her pharmacy. They may visit at 4387 Harrison Boulevard or call at 801-479-0331.

The added speaking assignments won’t be Jacobson’s first. Since October of 2013, Jacobson has been the HealthMart Drugs Townhall representative and lecturer to meetings across the United States. She has lectured at a host of other venues, including being featured for four years on a television health care monthly health segment.

She also has actively involved herself in continuing education for pharmacists throughout the state as a mentor and preceptor since 2002. She was named HealthMart Pharmacist of the Year for the western region, also known as a local hometown hero for 2014. She holds professional memberships for Professional Compounding Centers of America.

Jacobson is a native of Hawaii who graduated from Purdue University as a pharmacist in 1985.
But the pharmacist loves Ogden, where she has lived for 16 ½ years and wants to make a difference here.
“I love Ogden and I want to be part of its positive change,” she said. “It is important that I build the city up for my children and grandchildren.”

Her community involvement includes serving on the department of professional licensing State of Utah Board of Pharmacy Compounding Task Force, Weber/Morgan Drug Prevention, and as an executive board member of Your Community Connection.
She has been a member of the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce Women in Business since 2001 and has been an executive board member for four years.

Jacobson has been actively involved with Holy Family Catholic Church Women’s committee since 2011. Her service has included offering home visits for the church in the Eucharistic ministry. She actively volunteers for Utah Catholic Community Services to help with the food bank, the YCC Family Crisis Center and is a volunteer with many hospice affiliates in Ogden.

Jacobson is a proud sponsor of the Weber State women’s basketball team. “I actively get involved with my community and am dedicated to help serving the public and protecting their well-being,” Jacobson wrote in her award application. “I am the only pharmacist in the state of Utah Board-certified Fellow Diplomat in Anti-aging and Functional Medicine.”

Debbie Nielson has recently concluded her 6-year tenure as Chair of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Utah. As Past Chair she continues to travel around the state to support the cause of Girl Scouting. She was a Girl Scout in her native Wisconsin and has served as a Girl Scout volunteer for more than 25 years and in many capacities such as group leader, regional volunteer director & trainer. As Board Chair, she provided support and direction for the 12,000 members across the state, and was instrumental in the success of three major projects which include;
*2014 Girl Scout National Convention – Debbie intensely lobbied the national committee to hold the 2014 Girl Scout Convention in Salt Lake City, bringing thousands of Girl Scouts from around the globe to the Capitol. This once in a lifetime event will bring national exposure to Utah, and is projected to bring an estimated $10 million into the local economy.
*The acquisition of 236 acres adjacent to Camp Cloud Rim above Park City – The purchase was finalized in December 2012 and was imperative to the safety of the Girl Scouts and the preservation of the pristine wilderness and aesthetics of the 75 year old beloved camp. Debbie will oversee the capitol campaign that will launch to pay for the land.
* A Capitol Campaign that raised $2.5 million for a new lodge, classroom, and restroom facility at Trefoil Ranch Girl Scout Camp – Trefoil Ranch is now considered one of the most modern and Beautiful Girl Scout Camps in country due to Debbie’s hard work and dedication.

Debbie is a long-time Ogden resident where she owned a successful business with her late husband and contributed to the community through her participation on many committees in the Rotary Club of Ogden, the Utah Foster Care Citizen Board and the Weber School Foundation’s Christmas Tree Jubilee. Debbie and her husband Karl shared 38 years together and have three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Debbie is an authentic leader who loves to serve with no thought of financial or personal reward. She often says, “We have to invest in our children, this is how we will change the world”.