Utah Women Leading Government Newsletter

Utah Women Leading Government Newsletter | March 2025

Message from Vice Chair - Jolena Ashman

Hi y'all! I am this year's vice chair, which means I'm absorbing everything I can from our amazing chair, Mariah Hill, so I can take over for her in 2026. She will leave some big shoes to fill!

A little about me: I'm a member of a small group of people known as outgoing accountants. We're a rare breed. I'm the Finance Director at High Valley Transit up in the Park City area. I love people and I love numbers. When I'm not at work you'll likely find me running with friends or cheering my kids on at their sporting events or band concerts. Sometimes I find a minute to read a great fantasy novel. I live in Salt Lake and have a long commute, so I love to listen to audiobooks or podcasts as I drive. I'm looking forward to another great year with UTWLG!

March Poll - Help Us Learn!

How many full-time employees does your organization have?

How many of your executive leaders (e.g. department directors and higher) are women?

Would you be willing to invite two other women from your organization to join UTWLG?

Yes!

Not right now

Approximately what percentage of your full-time employees are women?

How many of the women from your organization have attended a UTWLG event?

Engaging with UTWLG

Utah Women Leading Government (UTWLG) is a supportive community that highlights, connects, and welcomes women from all levels of local government.

Members meet quarterly to participate in virtual and in-person events. Thanks to sponsors and partners, membership fees are very minimal and might be reimbursed by your organization (please check with your supervisor for more information).

Join UTWLG

Upcoming Events

Spring Summit - April 23

Our combined spring summit with the Utah Recreation and Parks Association will include a fantastic keynote from renowned speaker Gail Alofsin, a presentation from A Bolder Way Forward (Dr. Susan Madsen, Becki Wright, and Shirlayne Quayle), and so much more! Don't miss your chance to expand your skills and network. Register today!

Early Bird Pricing (through April 11):

$95 for UTWLG or URPA Members
$25 for Full-Time Students
$125 for Non-Members

Achieving Sponsorship Excellence Workshop - April 24

Book Recommendations

"The Let Them Theory" (Mel Robbins)

Great advice for both your professional and personal life. Teaches the importance of letting people be responsible for themselves and taking responsibility for our own choices and reactions. From the book, “When you say Let Them, you make a decision not to allow other people’s behavior stress you out or bother you. When you say Let Me, you reset your stress response and take responsibility for how you respond… The Let Them Theory reminds us that we always have the power to decide what energy we feed, what battles we fight, and how we create change.

-Recommendation from Board Member Maresa Manzione

"Her Quiet Revolution" (Marianne Monson)

Did you know Utah elected the very first state senator in US history? She ran as a Democrat against her Republican polygamist husband and won! Dr. Martha “Mattie” Hughes Cannon was a medical doctor, Utah women’s rights advocate, suffragist, and polygamist wife. She was the founder and member of Utah’s first State Board of Health. She founded a nursing school in Utah, was the author of Utah’s sanitation laws, and championed other causes that still have a lasting legacy here in Utah. I love reflecting on our history, the good and the ugly, to remember where we came from to help navigate the future. Dr. Mattie Hughes is a treasure that needs to be known as a household name among all Utahns, especially women working in government. I highly recommend this book!

-Recommendation from Board Member Katie Atkinson

Facebook Forum

Join our forum today to connect with other Utah women in government, share information and resources, and get feedback.

Utah Women Leading Government Facebook Forum

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:

City Treasurer / Controller - Cottonwood Heights
City Manager - Bluffdale
Assistant to the City Administrator - Pleasant Grove
Civic Events Coordinator - Highland
Economic Development Analyst - Provo
Accountant I or II - Herriman
Senior Human Resources Analyst - Unified Fire Authority

ULCT Job Board

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