30 women to watch: passionate, driven and focused, today's women in business are the definition of success. Loving what they do while doing what they love, making a difference is second nature to Utah's fearless female leaders. Taking risks and breaking barriers are all in a day's work and for these women, it's paid off in big ways. Join Utah Business as we salute 30 women who continually go above and beyond.

• Author: Kulicke, Heidi

Alexandra Hesse

Associate Executive Director, The Leonardo

The biggest part of Alexandra Hesse's job is to develop, shape and execute the vision of The Leonardo, a science-tech-art center that's set to open on Library Square in April 2011. "A lot of what I do has to do with asking what the combination of science, art and technology really looks like, and how visitors will experience it when they walk through the doors," she says.

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The quest to uncover how teachers and students will experience the museum, and how she can use those tools to create an environment that inspires creativity and the kind of curiosity that spurs people to make their own discoveries, is what drives Hesse to do what she does. "Its an incredible, exciting opportunity, both personally and for the community at large. It's an opportunity I'll have once in my life--to be part of something this unique, exciting and meaningful,"

Hesse believes you can't go wrong if you do what you love and believe in yourself. "If you are who you are and follow your passions, success will follow in a way that's most meaningful to you."

Allison Smoot

Senior Vice President, MorganStanley SmithBarney

Allison Smoot believes in giving back to the community she loves. She serves on the board of trustees for the Columbus Community Center, a community foundation for the disabled, and teaches financial planning to seventh grade students. She's also writing a book that offers parents tips on financially preparing their children for college and beyond. And when a blind elderly client wanted to meet her grandsons in Vancouver, it was Smoot who volunteered to travel with her. "I learned from this experience that I'm not just an investment advisor--the relationships with my clients go much deeper, and I find that very rewarding," she says.

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When Smoot began her career 25 years ago, she was the only woman in a room of 300 people. Even though she's been a minority throughout the years, she sees her gender as an asset. "Our clients like working with women because we're patient and caring regarding questions and client finances."

Smoot's business philosophy reflects her small-town upbringing. "She brings a level of trust and integrity commonly found in a small community, balanced with a sense of pride in working hard, achieving goals, and meeting her clients' needs," says Stephanie Mackay, director of development for Columbus Community Center.

Dr. Angela Trego, PE

Director of Structural Engineering, ATK

Not your average rocket scientist, Dr. Angela Trego has three patents, is the author of more than 50 publications, and makes many complex technical decisions on a daily basis as director of structural engineering at ATK. Living by her own personal motto "effective with people, efficient with things," Trego says success takes three skills in particular: technical ability, determination and effective communication. "Vision and strategic views are required to keep programs and projects moving forward instead of getting sidetracked," she says.

As the first female to earn a doctorate in mechanical engineering from BYU, Trego works with the mentoring program Expanding Your Horizons, a volunteer organization supporting girls in science, technology and math. She also takes the opportunity to speak to female engineering students at BYU and other colleges, encouraging them to continue with their studies. "Being a pioneer, although I never sought out that distinction, breaks ground and shows other women wanting to do the same thing that it can be done." She recently received the Rising Star Award at the 2009 Women Tech Awards.

Trego advises others to look for opportunities that will allow them growth in their field, including networking and volunteering opportunities. "It's important to seek out mentoring opportunities which can provide you with direction and insight. It has provided me with great opportunities I wouldn't have gotten otherwise," she says.

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Anne Burkholder

CEO, YWCA Salt Lake City

Through the years YWCA has been a voice for women, a force for change and a place for hope. The organization's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. "Our enduring belief is that better lives for women--all women--will lead to stronger families and communities," says Anne Burkholder, CEO of YWCA Salt Lake City.

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"My challenge is to help us stay true to who we are and what's important to us, stay strong for those who need us most and stay focused on our dreams," Burkholder says. Yet she has learned over and over that the source of the YWCA's strength and future lies within the community, and with the "generous, caring people who have confidence in us, as well as faith in those we serve."

Burkholder says the organization is accomplishing its goals with the current construction of the new Shelter and Residence for Women and Children. The organization is also set to begin construction on the new Center for Families later this year. Her advice to others is to seize opportunities, take risks and own your choices. "Remember who you are, as a whole person, is as important as what you do."

Annette Colton Christensen

Marketing Manager, Grant Thornton LLP

Working with the community on a regular basis is what gets Annette Colton Christensen excited. "I thrive on community building, which, to me, is the ability to connect the various arms of our community, uniting them while working toward a greater purpose, It motivates me, provides me with immense satisfaction and makes the work I do worthwhile," she says.

The rewards for a job well done come down to passion and hard work, she says. "Passion for what I do, vision to see what we could become and the ability to unite people behind a cause" leads to a better community and marketplace, she adds.

Her success is a direct result of her mother's example and other women in her family who came before her. "My success honors their sacrifice as professional women during eras in which women did not work outside the home. They paved the way for me and other women to have access to the resources and opportunity to fulfill our dreams and ambitions," she says.

Looking to the future, Christensen hopes to instill that same drive in her own children. "I want to continue to pave the path for them, so they can feel empowered to attain any success they desire in their lives."

Carol Fineagan

Chief Information Officer & Senior VP, EnergySolutions

Carol Fineagan's success with EnergySolutions can be traced back to her many years as a Girl Scout. "It allowed me to try new things, step out of my comfort zone as a Baltimore city kid, and gave me the skills and confidence to be a team leader," she says. Crowing up, it never occurred to her that being a female was anything but an asset. "While I am conscious of the male dominated world around me, I am also conscious that [as a woman] I often enjoy a different perspective on issues and approach problem solving in a creative fashion."

When it comes to leadership, Fineagan believes excellent communication skills and humility arc necessary in equal portions. "You have to be able to find common ground, understand the intricacies of business operations, balance all the regulations and rules, and ask a lot of questions." Actively involved in the community, she enjoys being able to give back. "Whenever we are collecting food for the food bank or blankets for the homeless shelter, Carol's team is always first on board," says Pearl Wright, executive director of EnergySolutions.

Fineagan's role model is Dr. Martin Luther King, whose passion for civil rights shaped her life. "I learned from his words and actions to think outside the box and that you need to personalize the journey to make it meaningful."

Carolyn Grow Dailey

President and CEO, ASCEND Alliance

Dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished villagers around the world, Carolyn Grow Dailey's unwavering humanitarian efforts are truly making a difference. Though many nonprofits struggled during the recession, ASCEND thrived. "2009 was our best yet," she says.

The company's mission is to empower those in need with resources to save their children and ascend out of poverty. "Helping others build capacity to change their lives is...