Advertise on podcast: Utah Women & Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the research brief Educational Attainment of Utah Women: A 2026 Update. The report highlights both meaningful progress and ongoing challenges in women’s educational attainment across Utah. Findings show gains in high school and college degree completion, while also revealing persistent gaps in college noncompletion and graduate-level education. Utah women now earn bachelor’s degrees at rates similar to women nationwide, yet Utah continues to have one of the highest percentages of adults who begin college but do not complete a degree. The report also shows that although younger generations are narrowing educational gaps, men continue to earn graduate and professional degrees at higher rates than women. The discussion explores key trends in educational attainment, examines where Utah stands today compared to national benchmarks, and considers opportunities to strengthen educational pathways for women across the state.  Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. Yvette Young, co-author of the report and Research Manager at the Utah Women & Leadership Project, to discuss the findings and what they mean for Utah women, families, and communities. Guests Dr. Yvette Young  Research Manager, Utah Women & Leadership Project  Download the full research brief HERE.  Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website.  Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening educational outcomes for Utah women and girls.  Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the August research brief How Higher Education Strengthens Individual, Family, and Community Well‑Being. Drawing on data from the UWLP’s 2025 Fall Survey — completed by more than 5,200 Utahns — the report shows that higher education delivers far‑reaching benefits that extend well beyond jobs and wages. Educational attainment strengthens Utah’s social, civic, and community fabric, shaping how residents understand and navigate key areas of community life. The research examines how education influences views across ten areas of community well‑being, including domestic violence, child sexual abuse, financial security, health, civic engagement, poverty, and K–12 education. The findings reveal a clear pattern: as education levels rise, awareness of community challenges increases, along with confidence navigating major institutions and systems. Dr. Madsen is joined once again by Dr. Eric Dahlin, co‑author of the report and professor of Sociology at Brigham Young University, to explore the data and discuss what these insights mean for Utah communities. Guests Dr. Eric Dahlin   Professor of Sociology, Brigham Young University Download the full research brief HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening Utah communities. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the research brief The Power of Education: How Higher Education Shapes Utah Workplaces. Drawing on data from the UWLP’s third annual statewide survey — completed by more than 5,200 Utahns — the report reveals a clear and consistent pattern: education fundamentally shapes how people see the workplace. Across all eight workplace‑related areas of A Bolder Way Forward, higher levels of education were associated with greater awareness of workplace challenges, stronger recognition of inequities, and clearer expectations for fairness, transparency, and supportive organizational practices. The brief also shows that education shifts women’s perceptions far more than men’s, widening gender gaps in views about discrimination, harassment, and workplace inequality. In this conversation, Dr. Madsen and her guest unpack what these patterns mean for Utah employers, policymakers, and communities. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. Eric Dahlin, co‑author of the report and professor of Sociology at Brigham Young University, to explore the findings and discuss their implications for Utah’s workforce. Guests Dr. Eric Dahlin   Professor of Sociology, Brigham Young University Download the full research brief HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening Utah’s workplaces. Support the show

Podcast Description In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores findings from the September 2026 research brief, The Status of Women Leaders in Public Education (K–12): A 2026 Update. The report shows meaningful progress: women now hold just over half of leadership roles statewide, with notable gains on district boards, in superintendent positions, and among principals and assistant principals — particularly in elementary and charter schools. Yet the brief also highlights persistent gaps, including the low share of women serving as district superintendents and a recent decline in women leading public high schools. Together, these findings offer a clear picture of where representation is improving, where it is stalling, and why gender‑diverse leadership remains essential as Utah’s schools navigate growing challenges. Dr. Madsen is joined by Jamie Faux and Corinne Clarkson, co‑authors of the report, to walk through the data, discuss emerging trends, and reflect on what the future of K–12 leadership in Utah may hold. Guests Jamie Faux   Research Assistant, Utah Women & Leadership Project Corinne Clarkson   Research Associate, Utah Women & Leadership Project Download the full research brief HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, educators, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening leadership across Utah’s schools. Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen breaks down a powerful new white paper published in June 2026: The Roots of Sexual Violence in Utah: A Framework for Understanding Harm. The report makes one thing unmistakably clear: sexual violence is not random or isolated. It emerges from cultural norms, social systems, and power structures that shape how communities understand gender, authority, and accountability. Utah’s high rates of rape and child sexual abuse stand in stark contrast to its reputation for strong families and close‑knit communities, and this paper explains why. The white paper introduces the Utah Sexual Violence Pyramid, a research‑grounded framework illustrating how harmful attitudes, normalized behaviors, and systemic silence create conditions where violence can escalate. The message is direct: preventing harm requires honest conversation, cultural awareness, and collective action. This episode walks through the findings and explores how Utahns can use this shared language and roadmap to build communities where violence cannot take root. Dr. Madsen is joined by Brie Sparks and Deborah Lin, two members of the Utah Women & Leadership Project team, to discuss the research, its implications, and the work ahead. Guests Brie Sparks   Associate Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project Brie leads statewide strategy, research translation, and partnership development for UWLP. Her work focuses on strengthening systems that support women, girls, and families across Utah. Deborah Lin   Local Outreach & Resource Manager, Utah Women & Leadership Project Deborah oversees community engagement, resource development, and local partnerships. She works closely with organizations and residents to expand awareness and prevention efforts related to issues affecting Utah women and girls. Download the full white paper HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone committed to preventing harm and strengthening Utah communities. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores key findings from the newly released 2026 research snapshot New American Women (Immigrants and Refugees) in Utah (Authors: Dr. Susan Madsen, Dr. Robyn Blackburn, and Vanessa Tuttle). Immigrants and refugees now make up a growing share of Utah’s population: more than 300,000 residents, including tens of thousands of women and girls who contribute cultural diversity, economic strength, and global experience to communities across the state. Yet the snapshot also highlights the significant challenges many face, including language barriers, limited access to services, discrimination, and increased risks of poverty and gender‑based violence. Despite these obstacles, New American women contribute billions to Utah’s economy and play a vital role in shaping the state’s future. This episode offers a clear, human‑centered look at who these women are and what Utahns can do to better support them. Dr. Madsen is joined by one of the co‑authors of the snapshot, Dr. Robyn Blackburn, to discuss the experiences, strengths, and needs of New American women in Utah today. Guests Dr. Robyn Blackburn Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Co‑author — New American Women (Immigrants and Refugees) in Utah   Download the full 2025 research snapshot HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in supporting immigrant and refugee women in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores a 2026 research brief from the Utah Women & Leadership Project: Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women: A 2026 Update. Building on insights from more than 5,200 Utahns, including over 3,500 written responses, this conversation highlights where Utahns see the greatest potential for women and girls today. Because the same questions were asked in 2023 and 2024 studies, this updated report using data from 2025 reveals what’s emerging, what’s expanding, and how opportunities across the state continue to evolve. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. April Townsend to discuss the trends, possibilities, and momentum shaping the lives of Utah women and girls. Guests Dr. April Townsend  Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Co‑author — Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women: A 2026 Update   Download the full 2026 research brief HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in women’s well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen opens the new season of the Utah Women & Leadership Podcast with one of the year’s most significant research briefs: Eleven Major Challenges Utah Girls and Women Face: A 2026 Update. Drawing on insights from more than 5,200 Utahns, nearly 3,500 of whom wrote in their own words, this conversation explores how challenges, perceptions, and experiences have shifted since the 2023 statewide survey. Together, the data reveal what’s improving, what’s changing, and what still requires urgent attention for Utah women and girls. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. April Townsend, Research Fellow with the Utah Women & Leadership Project and coauthor of the report, to walk through the findings and discuss the trends shaping the lives of Utah women and girls today. Guests Dr. April Townsend  Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Coauthor — Eleven Major Challenges Utah Girls and Women Face: A 2026 Update   Download the full 2026 research brief HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in women’s well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen examines key findings from the newly released snapshot "Utah Women and Skilled Trades." This research brief explores national and statewide demand for skilled‑trades jobs, trends in women’s participation, and how employment and wages compare across occupations in Utah and the U.S. The conversation also highlights education and training pathways—particularly for young women—and outlines strategies to strengthen women’s representation in Utah’s skilled‑trades and construction workforce. Dr. Madsen is joined by two leaders in this space—Concetta Defa and Dr. April Townsend—to unpack the data, discuss current challenges, and explore opportunities to support women pursuing careers in the trades. Guests Concetta Defa   Project Consultant, Center for Energy Workforce Development President, Utah Women in Trades Dr. April Townsend  Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Co‑Author, Utah Women and Skilled Trades   Download the full snapshot HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, educators, employers, or anyone interested in strengthening women’s participation in Utah’s skilled‑trades workforce. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores key findings from the newly released 2025 white paper “Home, Health, Community, & Allyship 2025: Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” Drawing on insights from an 83‑item survey of more than 5,200 Utahns, this conversation focuses specifically on male allyship: how men perceive their role in supporting women and girls, and how those attitudes have shifted over the past three years. Dr. Madsen is joined by two guests, Richard Hawkes and Brie Sparks, to discuss the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping allyship efforts across Utah’s homes, workplaces, and communities. Guests Richard Hawkes Director of Programs, Northrop Grumman Former Chair, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council Richard has led initiatives that expand opportunities and support for underrepresented groups across his organization. Brie Sparks Associate Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project Brie guides statewide strategy and partnerships that strengthen opportunities for Utah women and girls. She is known for her collaborative leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to building communities where women can thrive. Download the full 2025 white paper HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in advancing allyship and women’s well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores findings from the newly released 2025 white paper “Home, Health, Community, & Allyship 2025: Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This conversation focuses on Political and Civic Representation, examining how perceptions and experiences have shifted for Utah women and girls over the past three years. Drawing on data from an 83‑item survey of more than 5,200 Utahns, the discussion highlights the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping women’s engagement in civic life statewide. Dr. Madsen is joined by two Bolder Way Forward advisors—Ann Mackin and Sui Lang Panoke—who offer expert insights into representation, leadership pathways, and the systems that influence women’s participation in public decision‑making. Guests Ann Mackin   Founder & President, Springboard Utah Bolder Way Forward Advisor — Political & Civic Representation Spoke Ann leads statewide efforts to train, advocate for, and place talented individuals on community boards, government commissions, nonprofit boards, and corporate boards across Utah. Sui Lang Panoke   Founder & Principal Consultant, Rethink International Bolder Way Forward Advisor — Political & Civic Representation Spoke Sui Lang is a global leadership strategist who challenges organizations to rethink how they develop leaders, build culture, and expand representation. Download the full 2025 white paper HERE.1 Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone invested in strengthening women’s political and civic leadership in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores findings from the newly released 2025 white paper “Home, Health, Community, & Allyship 2025: Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This conversation focuses specifically on Health Across the Lifespan, examining how perceptions, experiences, and challenges have shifted for Utah women and girls over the past three years. Drawing on data from an 83‑item survey of more than 5,200 Utahns, the discussion examines key trends shaping women’s health and well‑being statewide. Dr. Madsen is joined by two guests—Amy Anderson and Stephanie Stokes—who offer expert insights into the evolving health needs of Utah women and girls. Guests Amy Anderson   Community Connector, Utah Women & Leadership Project A Bolder Way Forward Advisor — Health Across the Lifespan Spoke Amy brings experience from Advocate Health Systems and the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity. Stephanie Stokes   Community Health Manager, Primary Children’s Hospital A Bolder Way Forward Advisor — Health Across the Lifespan Spoke Download the full 2025 white paper HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone invested in women’s health and well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores two major areas from newly released 2025 white papers titled “Women, Finance, & Education 2025: Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes” and “Home, Health, Community, & Allyship 2025: Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” Drawing on findings from an 83‑item survey of more than 5,200 Utahns, this conversation highlights how perceptions, experiences, and challenges have shifted for Utah women and girls over the past three years. Dr. Madsen is joined by two Bolder Way Forward advisors—Melanie Jewkes and Alyssa DeHart—to discuss the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the lives of Utah women and girls today. Guests Melanie Jewkes Extension Professor, Utah State University Bolder Way Forward Advisor — Finance Spoke   Melanie works to empower women of all ages to achieve financial security and long‑term sustainability.  Alyssa DeHart CEO & Founder, Utah Advocacy Coalition Bolder Way Forward Advisor — Home & Family Spoke   Alyssa leads statewide efforts to support healthy families and elevate the voices of people living with disabilities across Utah. Download the full 2025 white papers HERE. Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in women’s well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

In this episode, we discuss two elements of a recently released white paper titled “Women, Finance, & Education 2025 Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” The two we’ll be talking about today will be Higher Education Attainment and K-12 Initiatives.  Based on an 83-item survey conducted in October and November of 2025, this study collected data from more than 5,200 Utahns across both representative and convenience samples. This marks the third consecutive year of data collection, allowing us to examine how perceptions and experiences have shifted since the 2023 and 2024 surveys. This episode discusses key findings from Higher Education Attainment and K-12 Initiatives to better understand the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the lives of Utah women and girls today.  Dr. Susan Madsen, an Extension Professor of Leadership at Utah State University and the Founding Director of the UWLP and A Bolder Way Forward, is joined by two guests. First, Eric Dahlin, professor in the Department of Sociology at BYU and a Bolder Way Forward advisor for the Higher Education Attainment spoke. Also joining us is Mindy L. Layton, a fourth-generation Utah educator who currently serves as a Multilingual Learner Academic Coach at Granite School District. She serves as a spoke advisor for A Bolder Way Forward’s K–12 Initiatives spoke. Support the show

In this episode, we discuss a recently released white paper titled “Women’s Safety & Security 2025: Utahns’ Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes,” specifically focusing on poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence.  Based on an 83-item survey conducted in October and November of 2025, this study collected data from more than 5,200 Utahns across both representative and convenience samples. This marks the third consecutive year of data collection, allowing us to examine how perceptions and experiences have shifted since the 2023 and 2024 surveys. In this episode, we walk through key findings to better understand the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the lives of Utah women and girls today.  Dr. Susan Madsen, an Extension Professor of Leadership at Utah State University and the Founding Director of the UWLP and A Bolder Way Forward, is joined by two guests. First, Elizabeth Garbe, Vice President of Public Policy at United Way of Salt Lake, an organization that mobilizes people and resources to improve basic needs and education outcomes for Utah children and families. Second, Erin Jemison, Director of Public Policy at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. Erin is deeply committed to using her opportunities to make systems work better for everyone.  Support the show