A data-driven initiative is working to identify Utah organizations making measurable progress in developing, retaining, and advancing women in the workplace. The Companies Championing Women program uses research-based assessments to benchmark leadership representation and recruitment practices, aiming to highlight organizations that drive economic growth through gender equity.
Benchmarking Workplace Advancement
The Companies Championing Women program serves as a research-based recognition and engagement initiative. According to Davis County News, the program identifies organizations that show real progress in advancing women through a data-driven benchmark supported by the statewide business community. This process involves organizations completing an assessment developed in collaboration with the Utah Women & Leadership Project.
The assessment focuses on several key areas of organizational performance, including leadership representation, recruitment and promotion practices, professional development, and outcomes related to retention and advancement. Organizations that meet the established standards earn official recognition as a Company Championing Women. Beyond the designation, participating organizations gain access to research-backed insights into their current standing and eligibility for exclusive honors.
Collaborative Industry Support
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving several key stakeholders. The program is a partnership between the Utah Women & Leadership Project, the Women's Leadership Institute, Salt Lake Business Journal, and PowerHouse Events. This collaboration combines research, leadership development, and media visibility to support the movement.
As Davis County News reported, organizations that participate receive access to exclusive Women's Leadership Institute events and thought leadership throughout the year. They also gain opportunities to network with executives and human resources leaders from the state's most engaged companies. Furthermore, participants receive recognition through coverage in the Salt Lake Business Journal and other program promotions.
The Research Foundation
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), based at Utah State University, provides the research foundation for these efforts. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Susan R. Madsen, a scholar and faculty member at Utah State University, the UWLP's mission is to strengthen the impact of Utah girls, women, and families. The project focuses on producing trustworthy research, gathering resources, and convening events designed to inspire growth and change for all Utahns.
According to the Utah Women & Leadership Project, organizations with strong female representation in leadership roles consistently outperform others in several critical metrics. These include financial performance, employee engagement, and retention rates. Additionally, companies with diverse leadership tend to show higher levels of innovation and improved decision-making capabilities, as well as a stronger ability to attract top talent.
Extensive Research and Policy Briefs
The UWLP maintains an extensive library of research and policy briefs that examine the status of women across various sectors in Utah. These reports often compare Utah-specific trends with national statistics to highlight areas where legislative or community changes may be necessary. Recent research from the project includes a 2026 update titled The Status of Women Leaders in Public Education (K-12), which provides a comprehensive look at women's leadership in the education sector.
Other research areas covered by the UWLP include the status of women in Utah politics, entrepreneurship, and STEM education. The project has also released findings on the challenges faced by women, including studies on sexual violence, gender-specific barriers to education, and the impact of caregiver experiences. By addressing these diverse topics, the UWLP aims to provide the data necessary to move mountains for Utah women and families.
State-Level Initiatives
The state has previously engaged in similar efforts to promote gender equity in the workforce. The Utah Department of Commerce, through the Inspire In Utah initiative, previously managed the 100 Companies Championing Women initiative. This program recognized 100 Utah companies annually for their family-friendly policies and women-specific initiatives that improved the recruitment, hiring, and advancement of women employees and managers.
According to the Utah Department of Commerce, the 100 Companies Championing Women program has now concluded. However, the department continues to provide resources for visitors to explore the stories of previous companies and the impactful policies they implemented to support women in the workforce. The department's records include findings from the inaugural cohort, which analyzed best practices for Utah companies to support gender equity.
Recognizing Leadership
The upcoming Companies Championing Women Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Grand America. This event will bring together business leaders, executives, human resources professionals, and policymakers to recognize the organizations leading the way in workplace advancement. The event serves as a culmination of the efforts to celebrate companies that are successfully integrating women into leadership roles across the state.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
For organizations looking to participate in the current cycle, the application deadline for the 2026 program is July 27. The initiative continues to emphasize that the future of Utah's economy depends on the full utilization of the talent, leadership, and contributions of women across all industries.
