Utah Women & Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Susan R. Madsen

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Episodes

187

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The mission of the Utah Women & Leadership Project is to strengthen the impact of Utah girls, women, and families. We serve Utah and its residents by 1) producing relevant, trustworthy, and applicable research; 2) creating and gathering valuable research-based resources; and 3) convening trainings and events that inform, inspire, and ignite growth and change for all Utahns. We are moving mountains for Utah women! Hosted by Utah State University.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 18938 min

The Roots of Sexual Violence in Utah: A Framework for Understanding Harm

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

August 25, 2026Episode 18829 min

New American Women (Immigrants and Refugees) in Utah

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

August 11, 2026Episode 18725 min

Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women

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

July 28, 2026Episode 18624 min

Eleven Major Challenges Utah Girls and Women Face

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

June 30, 2026Episode 18538 min

Women in Skilled Trades

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

June 16, 2026Episode 18435 min

Male Allyship

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

June 2, 2026Episode 18338 min

Utah Women and Political and Civic Representation

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

May 19, 2026Episode 18238 min

Health Across the Lifespan

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

May 5, 2026Episode 18135 min

Utah Women: Finance and Home & Family

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

April 27, 2026Episode 18035 min

Utah Women and Education: Higher Education Attainment and K-12 Initiatives

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

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