BWF Impact Team Updates - August 2025

In the Bolder Way Forward Framework, there are issues that permeate across and influence each of the 18 spokes. Eight Impact Teams are doing deep work in each of these areas so that successful societal change will happen for all women in Utah. Impact Teams are focused on supporting the movement by: 1) creating resources and advising BWF leadership and the general population, 2) increasing awareness and representation within their communities, and 3) connecting people to resources to form grassroots partnerships. Connection and collaboration between these teams, spokes, county coalitions, and others within the movement is critical.  

We are looking forward to engaging many more in this work and encourage you to review the updates below for more information!   

50+ Thriving: In June, the 50+ Thriving Impact Team engaged with many new advocates at the 3rd Annual BWF Summit. The Team is continuing their Living Room Conversations series and also plans to hold conversations on Spoke topics with women ages 50+ in the upcoming months. To get involved, please email Kathie at kdebenham7@gmail.com.     

Arts & Music: The Impact Team is focused on opportunities to amplify the messages of a BWF through art, music, and other creative modalities. The Team is looking for individuals to co-lead these efforts and encourages those interested to contact Brie Sparks (UWLP Statewide Impact Manager) at brie.sparks@usu.edu.  

Disabilities: The Disabilities Impact Team has expanded to include Neurodiversity and has gained Andrea Bradford as an additional co-leader (who was previously leading a separate team). This merger strengthens the impact that the Team can have and ensures that all disability perspectives are considered. The Team is working on a strategic plan to share best practices for accessibility and inclusive engagement with spokes and county coalitions across BWF. To learn more about opportunities to engage, please contact Kelie at kelie.hess@usu.edu.  

Interfaith: The Interfaith Impact Team is growing in both energy and reach, led by Holly Burton alongside new Co-Lead Laura Cope. Each month, the Team welcomes new participants and seeks women from across Utah to share perspectives from a wide variety of faith traditions—as well as agnostic and atheist viewpoints. They have been focusing on connecting with diverse communities, sharing the mission of Bold Way Forward, and building partnerships that empower Utah women and girls in their own faith traditions. The Team is also gathering research on interfaith groups statewide to help identify opportunities for collaboration and deepen understanding of community needs. If you would like to get involved, please contact Brooke at brookepiippo21@gmail.com.  

LGBTQ+: LGBTQ+ Impact Team has established a Google Groups to communicate about ideas, events, and resources (30 members currently); all communications to this group are moderated.  It was created based on an active and informative session at the BWF Summit. The LGBTQ+ Impact Team has since held two coffee sessions at 43 Bakery in Salt Lake City.  Contact Team Co-lead Anne Arendt (anne.marie.arendt@gmail.com) to join the group and get involved. The Team is also looking for someone to represent BWF on the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s LGBTQIA+ Council. If you are interested, email Brie Sparks at brie.sparks@usu.edu.  

Male Allyship: The Male Allyship Impact Team kicked off summer by holding a great discussion at the BWF Summit in June and engaged with many new contacts. Links were provided for women to nominate male allies and to sign up to be part of the Male Ally Army. If you'd like to nominate a Male Ally to be recognized, you can do so here. The Male Ally Army is the Team’s mailing list for men (and women) who want to be involved but do not have time to always participate on committees. Team Co-leads have been focusing on ways that the Male Ally Army can best support the County Coalitions and will be participating in upcoming events to support county efforts. Colleen will be speaking at an event that the Washington County Coalition is organizing in early November, and Richard will be at The Pathways to Manhood Summit on October 30th (hosted by the Fathers & Families Coalition of Utah). The Team periodically sends a newsletter with recommendations on how to be a better ally as well as a calendar of events which need support by attendees.  If you want to be part of the Male Ally Army please email bwf.maleally@gmail.com and let us know! The Team is actively seeking a volunteer to help coordinate communication and efforts. If you are someone who is passionate about equity, inclusion, and allyship, and who is confident across social media platforms and tools, please send a short message describing your interest and relevant experience to brie.sparks@usu.edu.  

Race & Ethnicity: After an insightful conversation at the BWF Summit in June, the Race & Ethnicity Impact Team is working to engage women of color and raise awareness of research and resources available to help them thrive. To strengthen efforts, the Team is forming working groups focused on outreach to Refugee & Immigrant and Hispanic communities. If you are interested in getting involved in these groups, or helping to establish other specific working groups, please contact Kameron (Team Co-Lead) at kameronabilla@gmail.com.   

Women’s History: The Women's History Impact team is pleased to share a new toolkit with free lesson plans and resources about Utah women's many roles in World War Two. Coming at the 80th anniversary of the war's end, it's a great time to explore how Utah women made history in the military, in the workforce, on the home front, at the Topaz incarceration camp, and as advocates for peace and social justice. You can download the toolkit here to explore videos, bios, articles, and a digital exhibit. Please share with 7th and 4th grade teachers across the state!