The Martha Hughes Cannon Awards
Honoring women who have made an outstanding impact in their communities and the state of Utah through public service.
The Martha Hughes Cannon Award is named after the first woman elected to a state senate in the United States. Martha Hughes Cannon was an immigrant, a physician, and a suffragist who championed public health. She famously ran against and defeated her husband to win her seat. The award honors women who continue this legacy by striving to do good in their communities and going above and beyond to make an impact on Utah’s political landscape. Learn more about Martha.
2024:
The Martha Hughes Cannon Awards
On Nov 19, 2024, Utah Women Run enthusiastically hosted the Martha Hughes Cannon Awards. This year took the format of a luncheon at the Thomas S. Monson center. There was hardly an empty seat in the elegant Ivory Ballroom as supporters and honorees gathered to recognize the importance of women in Utah’s political and public spheres.
UWR boardmember Sui Lang Panoke opened the event welcoming attendees and setting the stage for the recognition of five important women. Each award recipient was warmly introduced by the woman who had won the award previously, creating the beginnings of a powerful chain.
Award Winners:
Outstanding Impact in the Democratic Party: fmr Senator Karen Hale
Outstanding Impact in the Republican Party: Senator Ann Millner
Outstanding Impact in Local Government: Councilwoman Victoria Petro
Outstanding Work in Policy and Advocacy: Maura Carabello, The Exoro Group
Lifetime Achievement Award: Pat Jones, Women’s Leadership Institute
2023:
The Inaugural Martha Hughes Cannon Awards
On Nov 3, 2023, Utah Women Run, at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, announced the inaugural Martha Hughes Cannon Award recipients and nominees. The awards ceremony recognized women who have made significant contributions to Utah’s political landscape.
Award Winners:
Outstanding Impact in the Democratic Party: Senator Luz Escamilla
Outstanding Impact in the Republican Party: Allyson Bell, Chief of Staff to Senator Mike Lee
Outstanding Impact in Local Government: South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey
Outstanding Work in Policy and Advocacy: Nubia Peña, Director of the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs
Lifetime Achievement Award: Representative Becky Edwards
2022 :
“New Name, New Home, Same Mission!” Fall Celebration
On Nov 15, 2022, Utah Women Run celebrated their new home at the Hinckley Institute. Formerly Real Women Run, the organization gathered women from across the political spectrum to recognize their new name and recommit to the mission of engaging more women in civic life.
Becky Edwards and Rebecca Chavez Houck led a keynote speech discussing their personal histories and hopes for the future.