Utah Women Leading Government Newsletter | June 2025 | | Meet Board Member Maresa Manzione | | |
The most important job I have is as a mother to four awesome kids and grandmother to the three cutest boys! I serve on the Tooele City Council. I was appointed my first year, ran for election the next, and am just ending my first term in the council. I am currently running for Tooele City Mayor. I am also the chair of a nonprofit, Mountain West Cultural Exchange. We facilitate a short spring and summer homestay program where Japanese youth come and stay with Utah families to share cultures. I serve on the Utah PTA Board of Directors as the Compliance Vice President. In my “free time” I love to be outdoors hiking, paddle boarding, walking, snow shoeing, or whatever activity I can find, especially if it is with my family. Tooele has the best hiking! I also love to read and often sacrifice sleep to finish a good book.
| | A Bolder Way Forward City Designation | |
We’re excited to share that there is now an official A Bolder Way Forward Local Government Committee dedicated to engaging towns, cities, and counties across Utah in the vital work of helping women, girls, and families thrive.
Already, North Salt Lake and Midvale City have taken the lead by passing official resolutions to become "A Bolder Way Forward Cities." These communities are setting a powerful example of what local leadership can look like in supporting women, girls, and families.
But this is just the beginning—the committee is hopeful that many more municipalities will join this important movement!
If you believe your city might be interested in becoming part of this transformative effort, please reach out to Mariah Hill at mhill@midvaleut.gov.
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| Would your organization be interested in the "A Bolder Way Forward" resolution and designation? | | | | | June Reflections: Honoring Identify, Freedom, and Light | | |
As we move into the heart of summer, June offers us a meaningful opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and grow—both as individuals and as a community of women leading in government.
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Pride Month reminds us of the importance of inclusion, visibility, and the courage it takes to live authentically. We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ colleagues and community members, honoring their contributions and advocating for equity and belonging.
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On Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and recognize the enduring strength, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans. It’s a time to reflect on our shared history and recommit to justice and equity in all we do.
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Flag Day invites us to consider the values our nation aspires to—freedom, unity, and justice—and how we, as public servants, can help bring those ideals to life in our communities.
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And with the arrival of the Summer Solstice, we welcome the longest day of the year—a symbol of light, growth, and renewal. It’s a perfect moment to pause, recharge, and look ahead with purpose.
This month, let’s celebrate the richness of our diverse identities, honor the progress we’ve made, and continue to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage.
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Upcoming Events
Lunch & Learn: Exploring the Dignity Index with Tami Pyfer
Join us for a thought-provoking Lunch & Learn featuring Tami Pyfer, who will introduce us to the Dignity Index—a powerful tool designed to elevate public discourse and promote respectful dialogue across differences.
📅 Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
⏱️ Time: 11:30am to 1:00pm
📍 Location: Midvale Community Center - 7615 Park Street, Midvale
🥗 Lunch will be provided
Whether you're curious about how the Dignity Index works or looking for ways to foster more constructive conversations in your community or workplace, this is a session you won’t want to miss!
RSVP HERE today and bring your appetite—for both food and insight!
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"Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus
Set in the early 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry introduces readers to the unforgettable Elizabeth Zott—a brilliant chemist whose career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the reluctant star of a popular cooking show. But Elizabeth is no ordinary host; she’s teaching women far more than recipes—she’s teaching them to challenge the status quo. With sharp wit, emotional depth, and a fiercely feminist spirit, Bonnie Garmus crafts a story that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
Perfect for a summer read, this novel blends humor, heart, and a dash of rebellion—making it just the right companion for a sunny afternoon or a weekend getaway. It’s a celebration of resilience, intellect, and the power of women to change the world—one lesson at a time.
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Facebook Forum
Join our forum today to connect with other Utah women in government, share information and resources, and get feedback.
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If you're on the hunt for a new job, be sure to check out the Utah League of Cities and Towns' Job Bank!
Here are some of the current openings around the state:
- Assistant to the City Manager - Magna
- Affordable Housing Coordinator - Eagle Mountain
- Assistant City Attorney - Kaysville
- Library Director - Highland
- Community & Economic Development Director - Cottonwood Heights
- Justice Court Clerk - Sandy
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UTAH WOMEN LEADING GOVERNMENT | CONNECT WITH US | |
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