The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) is navigating a period of organizational transition and legislative funding challenges as it continues its statewide mission to strengthen the impact of Utah girls, women, and families through research-based programming.
Organizational Transition at USU Extension
Housed within Utah State University (USU) Extension under the leadership of Dr. Susan R. Madsen, the UWLP operates as a research and engagement entity. The organization focuses on producing trustworthy research, gathering resources, and convening events designed to inspire growth for all Utahns.
In January 202 and following a period of expansion, the UWLP moved its operations from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business to USU Extension. This move was intended to deepen the project's partnership with Utah’s land-grant institution to enhance statewide impact.
A Bolder Way Forward Initiative
The UWLP serves as the backbone organization for A Bolder Way Forward (BWF), a seven-year movement launched on June 9, 2023. The initiative aims to use research to ensure that more women and girls in Utah thrive by addressing critical areas such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and gender-based discrimination.
The BWF movement is designed to reach a major milestone by 2030, with an established checkpoint scheduled for 2026. As a 501(c)(3) entity through USU, financial investments in both the UWLP and the BWF initiative move through the university system.
Evolution From UVU to Statewide Effort
The roots of the project date back to 2008, when Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Bill Sederberg, and Assistant Commissioner, Lucille Stoddard, approached Dr. Madsen regarding the status of women in Utah education. This led to the 2009 creation of the one-year Utah Women and Education Project (UWEP).
By 2011, the effort expanded into a statewide movement with the formation of the Utah Women’s College Task Force by the Commissioner’s Office and the Governor’s Office. This evolution saw the project grow from a Utah Valley University (UVU) initiative into a coordinated social change hub supported by business leaders and state government officials.
Expansion of Research Staff
Dr. Madsen has led the organization through several name changes and structural shifts, formally combining the Utah Women and Education Initiative with the UWLP in 2016. During her earlier tenure at UVU as the Orin R. Professor of Leadership and Ethics, the work was primarily conducted by Dr. Madsen, a student, and volunteers.
Since moving to Utah State University in 20020, the team has expanded through various legislative allocations. These funds allowed for the addition of roles such as the Statewide Community Outreach Manager—later transitioned to Local Outreach & Curriculum Manager—as well as a Marketing & Communications Manager and a Statewide Impact Manager.
Annual Summits and Engagement
The UWLP has maintained a consistent presence through large-scale annual summits. The 2nd Annual Bolder Way Forward Summit, held on June 6, 2024, drew nearly 700 in-person attendees and an additional 200 via livestream. The event featured remarks from Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.
Following that success, the 3rd Annual Bolder Way Forward Summit took place on June 6, 2025. This gathering saw a significant increase in participation, with nearly 1,000 individuals attending to review the accomplishments of the movement's first two years and discuss future steps.
Legislative Funding Challenges
Despite its growth, the UWLP faces significant fiscal uncertainty following actions by the Utah Legislature. In March 2026, the legislature removed most of the 2021 and all of the 2023 allocations that were intended to support the project's mission.
In response to these funding cuts, Utah State University has committed to finding bridge funding for the 2026-2027 academic year while the organization continues to seek more permanent financial support.
