LAYTON — Louenda Downs received the Davis Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Athena Award Thursday afternoon.

This honor is presented to an outstanding woman who has made extraordinary contributions to the community through her service.

She was the 12th recipient feted by the chamber’s Women in Business group. The Athena is part of an international effort to recognize outstanding individuals in the community.

“Things don’t happen in a silo. I thank you all for ‘raising me,’” Downs said. “In pondering the women who effect our lives, one is my mother. I am so thankful she is here today.”

Downs is the daughter of Louise and Wendell Hess, who now live in Brigham City.

“She saved box tops so she could get me a doll at Christmas. And she made sure I had a new Easter dress when she couldn’t have one of her own. She raised me on her shoulders,” the Layton resident said.

The former teacher of seven years took time to recall some great teachers in her life.

“Mrs. Pugsley pushed me to get straight As, and told me that I can do whatever I want in life. Mrs. Lockhead emphasized that there’s a big world out there that we need to learn about.

“I loved teaching, how the students would jump up and down with excitement” at things they’d be discovering as they learned, Downs said.

“There are many wonderful who do so many wonderful things who aren’t always as visible” to the world in what they do, she said.

Downs earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Weber State University with an emphasis in art and music. After teaching in the Davis School District, she was elected and served eight years on the Davis Board of Education.

She indeed has learned about the world, working not only as an educator but as a musician, assistant director of the Davis Education Foundation, software consultant and in her current capacity as a Davis County Commissioner.

Downs is proud of her role in founding “Davis Reads.” With the goal of the schools superintendent of “everyone reading in Davis County,” she and Kay McCormick assumed ownership of the program, which has won national recognition.

The Davis High School graduate has worked with at-risk populations, including service on 34 boards and committees. She is an advocate for the homeless and economic development.

Downs has also volunteered, and also introduced young women in her charge to the challenges of seniors and others faced at a care center and challenges of clients at the Family Connection Center.

Most recently, she has received the Davis County Republican Women’s County Elected Official of the Year 2009 honor and is a Who’s Who of American Business Women.

In her spare time, Downs enjoys hiking, tennis, gardening and history.

She and her husband C. Vance Downs are the parents of two daughters and a son-in-law. Also honored were: Barbara Riddle, Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO, Davis Chamber, Antelope Island Friends boards; Celeste Gleave, owner of several business owners; JoAnn Matern, who has mentored many as a teacher and more; Shirley Bouwhuis, Logistics Specialties, Inc. procurement team, Davis County Republican Party chair; Catherine Slatter, LSI president of government services; and Elaine Runyan Simmons, child advocate, insurance agent, DNA Coalition for Utah member.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com