2026 Element Awards Luncheon Presented by Black Desert Resort

On March 18th, 2026 we will recognize these three amazing women for the impact they have made on Southern Utah and our business community.

2026 Honorees:
 

• Carol Hollowell (Switchpoint): Carol has transformed the landscape of social service into a powerhouse of economic opportunity. Under her leadership, Switchpoint operates six local social enterprises—including a coffee shop, childcare center, and pet daycare—that serve as vital training grounds for the local workforce. By teaching skills in hospitality, agriculture, and early childhood education, Carol has created a pathway from homelessness to stable employment. Her innovative model not only empowers individuals but also reduces community costs for emergency services, proving that nonprofit work can be a sustainable driver of economic growth while restoring human dignity.

• Noel Mickelson (Berries-n-Cream): Since expanding into Washington County in 2021, Noel has done far more than introduce a refreshing, locally sourced dessert concept. She has utilized her business as a community incubator, dedicating storefront space to showcase and sell the goods of other local artisans and small business owners. Beyond her role as a creator and entrepreneur, Noel is a dedicated mentor to the high school and college students she employs, providing them with flexible jobs and essential life lessons in professionalism. From developing new product lines to championing her fellow entrepreneurs, Noel sets a gold standard for what it means to lead a community-focused business.

• Dian Robinson (Canyon Media): A true pioneer, Dian has been a cornerstone of Southern Utah’s media and advertising landscape since the early 90s. With a career spanning nearly four decades, she has mentored dozens of sales representatives and helped hundreds of local businesses thrive through her strategic marketing expertise. Known for her "no-ego" approach and selfless service, Dian has successfully navigated decades of market shifts with humility and grace. Even at 80 years old, she remains a full-time top performer at her company, proving that tireless hard work, a passion for helping others, and a commitment to showing up are the true secrets to a legendary career.

As Utah’s first lady, Abby Palmer Cox hopes to inspire Utahns to break down the barriers that separate people from treating one another as equals. She is an outspoken advocate for “getting proximate,” connecting through our differences, and combating the empathy crisis our country is facing. 

Born and raised in the small rural town of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Abby grew up on the Palmer family ranch where the values of hard work and grit were a way of life. She enjoyed a close-knit family with loving parents, two brothers, and seven sisters. Both she and Spencer graduated from North Sanpete High School and Snow College. He followed her to Utah State University where she earned her degree in Special Education with a dual emphasis in Early Childhood and Severe Disabilities.

After law school in Virginia, Abby and Spencer returned to Utah to raise their family in Fairview, a town of about 1,200 residents, located two hours south of Utah’s capital. Throughout the seven years Spencer Cox served as lieutenant governor, the family lived in and commuted from Fairview. They now primarily reside in Salt Lake City at the Utah Governor’s Mansion, but connections to their rural community remain strong and a priority for the family. 

Abby has always been active in her community through PTA involvement, church youth groups and service to the homeless. Abby enjoys riding horses, reading great books, music, hiking, running and family outdoor activities. She and Governor Cox, her high school sweetheart, are the proud parents of four children — Gavin, Kaleb, Adam and Emma Kate.

Abby’s initiative as first lady is called “Show Up” because you can pretend to care but you can’t pretend to Show Up! She uses this platform to champion projects related to educator wellness, foster care awareness and support, expanded access to Special Olympics Unified Sports programs in schools across Utah, and statewide service.