They are leaders in their respective fields, and perhaps just as important, they're mentors and role models who foster leadership in others.

Today at the 21st annual YWCA Leaders Luncheon, Judy Kasten Bell, Marjorie Chan, Sanchaita Datta, Ann Millner and Elaine Pace will receive the organization's 2009 Outstanding Achievement Awards, an honor organizers hope inspires all Utahns to achieve.

Judy Kasten Bell

Award » Government/Public Service

Title » Executive director of the Utah Domestic Violence Council

Why she won » As council director, Kasten Bell oversees domestic-violence public awareness campaigns, training, advocacy and a 24-hour hot line for domestic-violence victims in Utah. She helped open the Davis County domestic-violence shelter in 1997, and previously worked as an advocate for single-parent issues in the community and at the Legislature. She administered single-parent job training and nontraditional employment placement for women through state programs.

Leadership advice » "Listen to the voices of the people you're speaking on behalf of."

Something few people know about her » She was a single parent herself for about seven years before she moved to Utah. Now she is a grandmother of six.

Erin Alberty

Marjorie A. Chan

Award » Science/Technology/Environment

Title » University of Utah geology professor

Why she won » Chan studies sedimentary rocks, sandstones and shales for clues about the history of our planet and Mars. She's written two books and was the first female professor in the U.'s Department of Geology and Geophysics and the first chairwoman of a university science department in Utah.

Leadership advice » "One of the things my father told me when I was young was, 'It's always more fun to be a leader than a follower.' I didn't think that much of it when I was a kid, but when I got older, I began to see that what he said was true. It's been a lot of fun to implement ideas and see exciting things happen because of your role and leadership."

Something few people know about her » "One of the things people often joke about is that I love to go to yard sales. But to me that's a lot like my work. You go out there, and you never know what you'll find."

Lisa Schencker

Sanchaita (Sanch) Datta

Award » Business/Industry

Title » FatPipes Networks chief technology officer, vice president of engineering

Why she won » In addition to being a successful engineer and co-founding a high-tech company, Sanch Datta has promoted education of girls and women of India through the Foundation for Women's Education. These efforts have worked to break down the barriers of racism and sexism.

Leadership advice » "Know your field, know your business, work hard. You need to have a rapport with the people in your group, work hard and be an example."

Something few people know about her » "I like [Swedish music group] ABBA. I actually flew to Chicago just to see a revival concert."

John Keahey

Ann Millner

Award » Education

Title» Weber State University president

Why she won » Millner is the second woman appointed as a president in the Utah System of Higher Education. She belongs to the Women Presidents Network in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, is chairwoman of the Women in Management Committee for the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce and contributes heavily to WSU's scholarship fund for the Support Center for Women's Services.

Leadership advice » Millner believes leaders must be passionate about their causes and then engage the best people possible. Set high expectations, but allow people to find their own way toward the desired outcome, and offer support and encouragement along the way.

Something few people know » Millner is her own handywoman, continually doing remodeling projects around her home. She is currently laying tile in her bathroom.

Katie Drake

Elaine Pace

Award » Health/Human Services

Title » Girls Scouts of Utah chief executive officer

Why she won » The Harvard graduate is passionate about providing girls leadership opportunities. "There is a sense that women have made all these strides and are treated equally in every area, and that's simply not true. Only 16 percent of Fortune 500 companies are led by women. Ten years ago, it was 13 percent. We are increasing our reach, but not very quickly. Girls need to know that there are many avenues, as many as they can imagine, available to them. They have the ability to step into those roles and are not limited by their personal circumstances or physical or intellectual ability."

Leadership advice » Risk your dreams and always take a buddy. So many of us go it alone when there are so many willing hands. If we were just to grasp one, our path would be easier.

Something few people know about you » I have my solo pilot's certificate.

Kathy Stephenson