The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project released the second of five white papers in its study on September 3, 2026, examining the experiences of Utah women in entrepreneurship, workforce development, STEM fields, and leadership development.
Research Methodology and Mission
The 48-page report is based on an 83-item survey conducted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 19, 2025. The study utilized two samples, representative and convenience, totaling 5,212 Utah participants. According to Cache Valley Daily, the research supports A Bolder Way Forward, a statewide movement intended to ensure Utah girls, women, and their families thrive.
Analyzing Workforce Trends
Lead researcher and UWLP founder Susan Madsen stated that the report contains critical data for understanding the perceptions and attitudes regarding challenges faced by Utah women and girls. Madsen noted that this marks the third year of data collection, allowing for comparisons against survey data from 2023 and 2024.
Entrepreneurship and Support
The study highlighted varying levels of agreement regarding entrepreneurship and workforce resources. Approximately 80% of Utah women agreed their family and friends would support a decision to start a business, a higher rate than the 77% reported by men. Madsen noted that women's agreement on this topic was higher than men's, suggesting research may be needed to test if this stems from a need for flexibility to manage family responsibilities.
Workforce and STEM Challenges
Regarding workforce development, nearly 44% of women respondents were neutral or disagreed about their ability to access resources and support to attain a quality job. Madsen observed that women aged 65 and older were the least likely to know how to access such resources. Additionally, while women make up approximately 44.2% of the state's workforce, Madsen emphasized the necessity of sufficient pathways for women to secure better jobs.
Leadership and STEM Perceptions
The report also addressed perceptions of STEM fields and leadership. While 54% of Utahns agree that STEM fields are welcoming for women and girls, men expressed higher levels of agreement than women. In terms of leadership, nearly 74% of women respondents agreed they aspire to be leaders, a trend Madsen said reflects a shift in recent years. Madsen stated that when women and men lead in equal numbers, benefits spread across families, communities, businesses, and society.
Community Engagement Opportunities
The Utah Women & Leadership Project offers several ways for the public to engage with its mission. Interested individuals can subscribe to monthly or quarterly newsletters, follow the organization on social media, or attend webinars and workshops. The project, housed within Utah State University, is a 501(c)(3) that relies on external funding for research and program activities.
