Bolder Way Forward for Utah

Carbon County

BWF logo

Carbon County is unique due to its history of coal mining and its natural beauty. USU Eastern serves as a vital anchor for the population of over 20,000, providing a foundation for growth and connection. Because grassroots action is key to long-term change in the Bolder Way Forward (BWF) Framework, the coalition strives to bring this message to every city, town, business, and family. As part of the BWF Southeast Regional Coalition, including Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties, we amplify the regional impact by elevating the organizations already doing the work in each focus area. As it’s been said, women hold up half the sky; we see that strength in every woman and girl here, and by collaborating to lift them, we hold up the community together. By lifting women and girls, we lift all residents.


Key Resources

magnifying class on charts

County Survey Data

group of people talking in a circle

County Think Tank

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 Follow Us

the word "resources" surrounded by reports and laptops on a desk

Spoke Resources

notebook with "take action" written on the cover

Take Action


County Leaders

Christina Pay

Christina Pay

Associate Prof., USU Extension
LinkedIn Profile

Christina Pay is an Associate Professor with Utah State University Extension, focused on strengthening families and empowering youth. She created The Confidence Project and leads community-based programs that promote well-being, leadership, and workforce readiness.

Brenda Addley

Brenda Addley

Community Advocate
LinkedIn Profile

Brenda plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the community, focusing on health promotion, education, and support. Her Masters of Social Work gives her a foundation in understanding the social aspects of health and well-being.

Shara Sumnall portrait

Shara Sumnall

Director of Projects, Sales Tax People
LinkedIn Profile

Shara returned to Carbon County in 2024 and is passionate about strengthening rural communities and ensuring women and girls have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to thrive. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she is inspired daily by the resilience of women in her community.

StacyAnn Maxwell

StacyAnn Maxwell

Digital Strategist & Business Consultant, USU Extension LinkedIn Profile

StacyAnn is dedicated to supporting community growth through strategic connection. At USU, she supports rural development initiatives that strengthen the local economy. A wife and mother of three, she is passionate about helping women find their voice and have the support to succeed.

Get Involved



Community Partners

Carbon County Utah logo
Castle County Radio
Castleview Hospital Logo
CERCUT logo
Childcare Resource Agency logo
Create Better Health logo
Utah Department of Workforce Services
ETV News logo
Helper City
Help Me Grow Utah logo
RUCD Head Start
Southeast Utah Health Department logo
The Confidence Project logo
The Refuge Utah logo
Utah State University logo
Utah State University Eastern logo
Utah State University Extension
Wellington City logo