Utah Women & Leadership Podcast

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women, Finance, and Education: Utahns Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has three main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of higher education attainment.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by one of the co-leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Higher Education Attainment Spoke. Mallory Santa Cruz, Vice President of JPMorganChase.Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women, Finance, and Education: Utahns Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has three main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of finance.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two of the co-leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Finance Spoke. Susan Speirs is the CEO of the Utah Association of CPAs, and Melanie Jewkes is a USU Extension Professor who teaches financial wellness courses. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace Part 2: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of leadership development.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Leadership Development Spoke. First, Shirlayne Quayle is CEO of PowerLane, and a Co-Founder of the Women's Influence Network and Timemaker Remodeling and Design. Second, Jamie Shaw is Board Chair of the Women's Influence Network, and is the Operations Director for the consulting firm SportFive. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace Part 2: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of STEM Fields.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by one of the co-leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's STEM Fields Spoke. Cydni Tetro is the Co-Founder and President of Women Tech Council as well as the CEO of Avao. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace Part 2: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of workforce development.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Robbyn Scribner, who is a Co-Founder and the Director of Outreach for Tech-Moms, a women's labor force expert, a consultant, and a career coach.Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace Part 2: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of entrepreneurship.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Entrepreneurship Spoke. Ann Marie Wallace is the State Director of the Women's Business Center. She launched her own business before mentoring other women to do the same. Tara Spalding is a seasoned business strategist and investor, focusing on private investments and operational consulting for high-impact, scaling companies worldwide. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace Part I: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of organizational strategies and workplace culture.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by one of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Organizational Strategies & Workplace Culture Spoke. Sheena Blauvelt is the Executive Director of Human Resources at USANA Health Sciences and has more than two decades of experience in the HR field. Support the show

In a time when respectful dialogue and understanding are more essential than ever, we invite community members, leaders, and advocates to join us for an episode highlighting an engaging panel dedicated to fostering civility and dignity across Utah. Tami Pyfer discusses the Dignity Index, which serves as a powerful tool for measuring and promoting dignity in our interactions. This framework helps individuals and organizations assess their impact on others and encourages practices that uphold the inherent worth of every person. Becky Edwards talks about her passion around electing responsive, thoughtful Utahns who will focus on civility and have complex policy conversations that focus on true governing. Civility and dignity are overarching topics important to A Bolder Way Forward (BWF). The BWF aims to inspire Utahns to engage in civil discourse and make meaningful connections across differences. To do this, we encourage Utahns across the state to focus on active listening, empathy, and respectful communication, which will pave the way for creating positive change in Utah.Support the show

Hope is the mindset that drives resilient behaviors in everyone, including women. Hope is the expectation we have that we can identify pathways and generate the agency to attain desired goals. Research shows that hope is a psychological strength that can be nurtured and is one of the protective factors to our well-being.This episode highlights a presentation and discussion with Dr. Chan Hellman—a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma – Tulsa, the Executive Director of the Hope Research Center, and the author of Hope Rising— and introduces the science and power of hope, how trauma and adversity impact hope, and practical strategies for building resilience in individuals and communities. Dr. Hellman's almost 20 years of research at the Hope Research Center demonstrating hope as a protective factor for children and families experiencing adversity and trauma, will be the basis for his presentation. He discovered that hope can be taught and nurtured in children and adults who are facing all types of challenges. We all need more hope in today's world. Learn more about how more hope can change our lives!Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women's Safety & Security: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of child sexual abuse.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two co-leaders of A Bolder Way Forward's Child Sexual Abuse Spoke. Laurieann Thorpe is the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Utah, and Jake Neeley is the Executive Director of the Malouf Foundation. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women's Safety & Security: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of poverty and homelessness.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by one of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Poverty and Homelessness Spoke. Karen McCandless is the CEO of Community Action Services Food Bank in Provo.Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women's Safety & Security: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of sexual assault.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Sexual Assault Spoke. Julie Valentine is a Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Utah, and Liliana Olvera-Arbon is the Executive Director of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women's Safety & Security: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of domestic violence. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by one of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Domestic Violence Spoke. Leah Moses is a board member of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. She is also a certified nurse midwife and became a healthcare provider to support and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace - Part I: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. Helen Knaggs, one of the leaders for A Bolder Way Forward's Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Discrimination Spoke. Helen also leads global research and development at Nu Skin Enterprises where she chairs Nu Skin's Women Rising Employee Resource Group. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace - Part I: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of the gender pay gap.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Stacee Pedersen, one of the leaders of A Bolder Way Forward's Gender Pay Gap spoke. Stacee is the founder and president of Momentum Employer Group and COO of Winward Electric. Support the show

This episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women in the Workplace - Part I: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has four main areas of focus, and today we'll be discussing the area of Childcare/Pre-K programs.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Kristen Schulz, Director of the Early Childhood Alliance with the Park City Community Foundation, and Lynne Burton, the Spoke Coordinator for A Bolder Way Forward's Childcare and Pre-K Programs area of focus. Support the show

This episode discusses the Utah Women & Leadership Project's (UWLP) recent research and policy brief titled, “The Status of Women Leaders in Government – Utah Cities & Towns: A 2024 Update.” This research updates UWLP's 2020 research and illustrates that some progress has been made to get more women into leadership positions in local government. The research also recommends that we need more intentional effort to address the challenges women face in their efforts to assume more active leadership roles in government organizations throughout the state.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by one of the co-authors on the research brief, Dr. April Townsend, a UWLP research fellow and owner of Townsend Consulting. She has 30 years of extensive experience working with government organizations where she has held leadership positions for the past 21 years. Support the show

This episode we are going to discuss a recent research snapshot titled, “Women and Aging: What Utahns Need to Know.” This is a new research snapshot from the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) which focuses on three key areas: older women in Utah, factors affecting older women in Utah, and what Utahns can do to help improve the state of aging for women in the state.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by three guests. First, Amanda Lambert who is a co-author of the report and an advanced aging life care specialist, master guardian, and certified care manager. Second, we are joined by the Bolder Way Forward leaders from the 50+ Thriving Impact Team: Kathie Debenham is a professor emeritus at Utah Valley University where she created the dance department and served as the founding Dean of the School of the Arts and as an associate academic vice president; and KoShell Miller, the business unit coordinator for AARP Utah (the American Association of Retired Persons). Support the show

Despite being ranked as the second-best state for education in the US, Utah shows a clear gender disparity in educational attainment. Relative to Utah men, Utah women appear to be more likely either to stop their educational journey after high school or to leave college uncompleted, and they are considerably less likely to earn advanced degrees. Lack of educational attainment can have lifelong detrimental effects (e.g., lower earning potential). Thus, it is critical to understand gender related educational disparities and to address them through tailored guidance and support systems to ensure all Utah students have an equal chance to thrive. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research and policy brief "Gender-Specific Barriers to Educational Attainment for Utah Secondary School Students" which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. Matthew D. Meng, Associate Professor of Marketing in USU's Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. Support the show

The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released research in 2014 about the status of women leaders in business in the state, with an update in 2018 to determine if progress had been made. Unfortunately, during those four years, the percentages decreased in most areas. Now, six years later, the UWLP provides another update on the status of women leaders in Utah business, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Patricia Jones, CEO of the Women's Leadership Institute. Support the show

This episode discusses a white paper the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently released with Envision Utah titled, “What Matters Most to Utahns? Envision Utah Survey Results by Gender.” In November 2021, Envision Utah conducted an online survey of 800 citizens to identify the values and priorities that are most pressing for Utahns. The sample was stratified along the lines of age, gender, and race to reflect the demographic composition of Utah. The survey asked respondents to identify their most pressing concerns; other questions asked about their quality of life, attitudes about population growth, and views of diversity and inclusion. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the report's lead author, Eric Dahlin, an Associate Professor of Sociology at BYU, and Jason Brown, Vice President of Education and Communications at Envision Utah. Support the show

This episode discusses a new course for men, Male Allyship – A New Conversation. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) just released this much-anticipated discussion series to help support efforts of the state-wide movement, A Bolder Way Forward. This video series uses an innovative group-learning approach where meaningful conversation drives transformation.  When we engage in dialogue about allyship, we don't just learn—we create change that elevates ourselves, others, and builds communities where everyone can thrive.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Jared Harding, a learning and organizational effectiveness leader who developed the innovative male allyship course. Jared has spent the last 10 years developing people and talent strategies across a range of complex, global organizations. His career has spanned multiple industries and roles. Jared's passion for his field stems from a profound curiosity in human behavior, how organizations work, and the fundamental belief in the power of people. He holds a Master's Degree in Leadership and Organizational Behavior, several professional coaching certifications, and is a master facilitator and learning experience designer. Support the show

Organizations increasingly thrive when both men and women hold leadership roles and work together. This is true not only in Utah's businesses, but also its government organizations, such as state legislatures, city councils, and state and local bureaucracies. American democracy is based on the concept of representation. Governments mirror this idea by encouraging agencies to employ a workforce that shares the demographic characteristics of the community it serves. In fact, the presence of a diverse public workforce “implies equal access to government positions promoting empowerment and connection with government in diverse communities, [and] can also signal the inclusion of group interests, attitudes, and experiences in government decision making and build government legitimacy.” This is true at all levels of government in Utah, including the municipal, county, and state levels. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research and policy brief "The Status of Women Leaders in Government – Utah Counties: A 2024 Update" which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. April Townsend, a UWLP Research Fellow and owner of Townsend Consulting. Support the show

Research on the importance of implementing flexible and family-friendly policies, programs, and practices in workplaces has been well documented. In fact, there is a clear, direct link between companies that implement these types of strategies and the retention and advancement of women. Fortunately, many Utah companies are taking the lead in offering initiatives and benefits that are making a positive difference in their employees' lives. Highlighting the best practices of these leading organizations can help all of Utah's employers better understand how to implement policies and create workplace cultures that support women and families. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research and policy brief "100 Companies Championing Women in 2024: Best Practices for Utah Companies" which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two guests, both members of the UWLP team: Kolene Anderson, Associate Director and co-author of the report, and Deborah Lin, Local Outreach & Curriculum Manager who assists with the 100 Companies Championing Women nominations. Support the show

Unpaid work, including childcare, eldercare, housework, and other tasks, is vitally important to the foundations of strong families, communities, and nations. According to Oxfam, the monetary value of women's unpaid work is estimated to be $10.8 trillion each year, and women worldwide spend a significantly larger portion of time than men performing this critical work. This happens for many reasons, including personal values and choices, cultural and social norms, unconscious biases, and specific economic and employment considerations. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research snapshot about unpaid care work among Utah women in 2024, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two guests. First, Dr. Kristy Hodson, a UWLP research fellow and the lead author of the research. She is also an instructor in the College of Health Professions at Western Governors University. Second, Lisa Reeves, a co-leader for A Bolder Way Forward's Home & Family spoke. She is an advocate for women's issues and is currently doing graduate work at Harvard University. Support the Show.

Most people have a complicated relationship with their body, with many of us wishing we looked different. Fad diets, intermittent fasting, excessive exercise, weight loss injections, and liposuction abound as we search for perfection. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research and policy brief summarizing the findings from a complex study of body image in Utah, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two guests, both professors in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University: Dr. Sarah Coyne, Associate Director of the Department and a Professor of Human Development, and Dr. Lauren Barnes, an Associate Clinical Professor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Support the Show.

Sexual harassment has been illegal in the US for decades, and although there has been increased attention to the problem since 1970, the problem continues. All too often it exists in organizations as an issue many do not want to think or talk about. However, it is critical that Utahns work to understand and reduce instances of sexual harassment for the benefit of individuals, institutions, and the entire state. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research snapshot on sexual harassment in Utah, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. Maria Blevins, an Associate Professor of Communications at Utah Valley University; and Ariell Hardy, a full-time student at George Mason University pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Support the Show.

Organizations thrive more abundantly when both men and women hold leadership roles and work together. Gender inclusivity in leadership benefits not only Utah's businesses but also its government organizations, such as state legislatures, city councils, and state and local bureaucracies. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research brief about women leaders in Utah government, which is the focus of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. April Townsend, a UWLP Research Fellow, and Sophia DiCaro, Senior Advisor and Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Planning & Budget. Support the Show.

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is higher education attainment. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of Higher Education Attainment. First, Jessica Miller, Senior Network Director for Promise Partnership Utah; and second, Bryn Ramjoue, Marketing Director for my529. Support the Show.

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Discrimination. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Discrimination. First, Nancy Sylvester, Labor and Employment Counsel for Management and Training Corporation; second, Amy Morgan, an attorney and community advocate; and finally, Helen Knaggs, Head of Global Research and Development for Nu Skin Enterprises. Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. As part of the survey, there were two open-ended questions regarding the challenges and opportunities facing women in the state. We received nearly 2,500 responses. This episode focuses on the perceived opportunities for Utah women and girls.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. April Townsend, a UWLP Research Fellow and owner of Townsend Consulting. Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. As part of the survey, there were two open-ended questions regarding the challenges and opportunities facing women in the state. We received nearly 2,500 responses. This episode focuses on the 11 major challenges facing Utah women. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Dr. April Townsend, a UWLP Research Fellow and owner of Townsend Consulting. Support the Show.

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is Organizational Strategies & Workplace Culture. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of Organizational Strategies & Workplace Culture. First, Pete Codella, Managing Director of Business Services at Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, and second, Chris Hayes, CEO of Impact Performance Solutions. Support the Show.

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is K-12 initiatives. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of K-12 initiatives. First, Deanie Wimmer, a community leader with Promise Partnership Utah and a Utah TV anchor; second, Joann Brown, the Individual Development Commissioner for the Utah PTA; and finally Brittney Cummins, a community advocate who is a former secondary educator, and worked as the Governor's education advisor. Support the Show.

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is home and family. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of  home and family. First, Tiffiney Christiansen is a board member for the Utah Marriage Commission, and Vice President of Sales at Leavitt Group. Second, JaLee Clarke, a community advocate who has served in professional leadership roles with strategic initiatives, executives' advisor, human resources, and advisor relations. And finally, Lisa Reeves, a community advocate and graduate student studying religion and society, with an interest in women's issues, including women and religion, health sexuality, and mindfulness. Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Shirlayne Quayle (Founder and CEO of Powerlane) to talk about new research findings specifically related to leadership development. Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Rachel Cottam (Director of Content for Delivery Solutions and a co-leader for A Bolder Way Forward's Gender Pay Gap Spoke) to talk about new research findings specifically related to STEM fields and male allyship. Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Stephanie Stokes (Community Health Manager at Intermountain Health, and A Bolder Way Forward Co-Leader for the health across the lifespan spoke) to talk about new research findings specifically related to health across the lifespan.Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Sui Lang L. Panoke (Bolder Way Forward Champion) to talk about new research findings specifically related to finance and entrepreneurship.Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the Show.

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Sui Lang L. Panoke (Bolder Way Forward Champion) to talk about new research findings specifically related to K-12 initiatives and higher education attainment.Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions! Support the show

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Rachel Cottam (Director of Content for Delivery Solutions and a co-leader for A Bolder Way Forward's Gender Pay Gap Spoke) to talk about new research findings specifically related to organizational strategies and workforce development.  Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions! Support the show

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Erin Jemison  (Director of Public Policy for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition) to talk about new research findings specifically related to domestic violence and sexual assault.Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the show

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is childcare and pre-K programs. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of  childcare and pre-K programs. First, Jill Koziol is Co-Founder and CEO of Motherly. Second, Keri Newman Allred is the Executive Director of Rural Utah Child Development. Third, Elizabeth Garbe is Vice President of Public Policy for the United Way of Salt Lake. Support the show

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Peggy Green (Program Manager for the Homeless Systems Coordination Team) to talk about new research findings specifically related to poverty and homelessness and home and family.Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the show

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Kolene Anderson (Associate Director of the UWLP) to talk about new research findings specifically related to child sexual abuse and sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.   Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the show

Although Utah has a rich heritage of women's involvement in voting, advocacy, and various types of political participation, for decades Utah has lagged the nation in terms of women running for and serving in elected political roles. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) began reporting on the status of women in Utah politics in 2014, with updates in 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Although strides have been made to increase the number of women serving in political roles in the last decade, there is still work to do. This episode will focus on the status of women in Utah politics in 2024.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two guests: First, Tami Tran, Mayor of Kaysville. Her political career started by serving on the Planning Commission because of her interest in development lending. She has served on the Kaysville City Council, and in 2021 was elected as Mayor. Second, Morgan Lyon Cotti, the Associate Director of The Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. Her interest in politics began when she was 16 and served as a Page in the U.S. Senate.Support the show

This past fall, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. For this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen (Founding Director of the UWLP), is joined by Rachel Cottam (Director of Content for Delivery Solutions and a co-leader for A Bolder Way Forward's Gender Pay Gap Spoke) to talk about new research findings specifically related to the gender pay gap and childcare.  Overall, the survey focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace. The 80-question survey provided baseline data needed by leaders of A Bolder Way Forward. Listen to this conversation related to where Utahns are at with regard to pressing questions!Support the show

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is Health Across the Lifespan. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders who are heading up the area—called spokes in the Wheel of Change— of Health Across the Lifespan. First, Dr. Audrey Jiricko, an OB/GYN and Associate Medical Director of Women's Health at Intermountain Health. Second, Erika Lindley, Administrative Director for University of Utah Healthcare, Women's and Children's, OB/GYN School of Medicine.Support the show

The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), in partnership with scholars from around the state, recently published a research synopsis about the status and experiences of women in Utah. Utah continues to be lauded for its numerous rankings for its economy, generosity, fiscal responsibility, and access to quality higher education, among others. At the same time, our research found there are vast differences in the way that some experience Utah's economic success, leadership opportunities, and even safety and belonging. The research is focused on five areas -- community engagement, education, health and wellbeing, safety and security, and workplace – and provides data on Utah women's lived experiences. The report is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Kolene Anderson, the Associate Director of the UWLP, and co-author of the report.Support the show

Since 1950, women ages 16 and older in Utah have increased their labor force participation from 24.5% to 60.7%. This is slightly higher than the overall labor force participation rate of US women, which is 56.1%. Numerous factors influence Utah women's participation in the labor force, such as accessing affordable, quality childcare, and occupational segregation in lower-paying industries.Recently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) published an update on the status of Utah women in the labor force in 2023, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Robbyn Scribner, a women's labor force expert, consultant, and career coach. Support the show

The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) first published a research snapshot about childcare five years ago. Since then, because of continued market failures and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the status of childcare in the US and Utah reached a crisis level.  These circumstances exacerbated the financial challenges of childcare business owners and their employees and heightened the obstacles of parents trying to work. Federal agencies provided funding support during the pandemic, helping many childcare businesses stay open. However, it is predicted that by June 2024, Utah will deplete approximately $573 million of COVID-era support that has helped keep the childcare sector afloat. This “funding cliff” may result in childcare program closures, higher costs of childcare for families, and a dramatic workforce turnover because of lowered wages in the childcare sector. Addressing the ongoing childcare crisis in Utah is critical. Utah has the highest percentage of children of any state population—at about 30.0%—and an estimated 64.1% of Utah families have all available parents working.Recently, the UWLP published an update on the status of childcare in Utah in 2023, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Robyn Blackburn, a UWLP Research Fellow and an author of our most recent childcare research. Second, Jill Koziol, Co-Founder and CEO of Motherly, the leading digital destination empowering mothers to thrive.Support the show