BWF Impact Team Updates - December 2025

In the Bolder Way Framework, there are five identity-focused impact teams: 50+ Thriving, Disabilities, Interfaith, LGBTQ+, and Race & Ethnicity. These “Belonging Teams” exist to ensure that inclusion, belonging, and differences among women and girls in Utah remain top of mind in all areas of the BWF. In addition, we must have male allies to positively impact women’s lives by increasing opportunities and support for women in the 18 spoke areas. Engaging men in all BWF efforts is critical for success, and the Male Allyship Impact Team supports both male allies and their sense of belonging throughout the movement. Connection and collaboration between these teams, spokes, county coalitions, and others within the movement is critical.   

This month, UWLP welcomed Alheli Brilliant as a new Belonging Coordinator. She will be supporting each of the five Belonging Teams; if you’d like to learn more or get engaged, please email her at alhelibrilliant@gmail.com. Below are updates on each of these teams for December:    

50+ Thriving: During the November meeting, Anna Sadler highlighted the statewide availability of resources from the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Research Center, including a link to the Dementia Caregiver Clinic. The Team discussed ways that we can encourage families visiting over the holidays to consider these resources for anyone who may need it.  Camille Moreno (Health Across the Lifespan Subspoke Leader) has collaborated with the team to create a new Living Room Conversation Guide: Utah Women & Perimenopause/Menopause. In January and February, the team will be encouraging others to hold conversations specifically focused on dementia, sharing the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia information as well.   

Disabilities: This month, the Disabilities Impact Team welcomed Kim Belliston as a new Co-Lead. Kim is the Co-Chair for Disability:IN Utah, and a lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion initiatives. The Team is grateful for Kelie Hess’s leadership over the past two years, and will continue to partner with her efforts at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice at USU.     

Interfaith: The Interfaith Impact Team held an insightful meeting which included highlights from the Dignity Leadership Conference, which brought together diverse voices for meaningful dialogue. The Team also discussed the upcoming Interfaith Repair Conference on February 6th and will be checking on scholarship or funding availability for attendees. Opportunities for connecting with aligned organizations in Utah were shared, including the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, participation in Braver Angels, the Brotherhood production, and the importance of community education through the Dignity Index. There is work happening to supporting refugee families and fostering cultural exchange through art via the Emerald Hill Institute, and the Team recognizes the challenges refugee organizations face due to funding losses and the critical need for increased cross-community support.  

LGBTQ+: The Impact Team has had a transitionary month, and thanks Allison Dayton for her leadership. As she steps aside, the Team will be working to connect with LGBTQ+ organizations across Utah to build relationships and share resources. 

Male Allyship: This month, Christopher Larsen was welcomed as a new Male Allyship Team co-lead. In addition, Steven Martorana stepped in as the Male Allyship Impact Team Coordinator to provide support and help expand the Team’s outreach. In November, Team Leaders met with Male Ally Connectors, including new connector Brent Hinsley in Weber County. The Team will be focused on highlighting male allies in Utah and identifying representatives within each county to form a network of allies across the state. 

Race & Ethnicity: BWF thanks Ze Min Xiao for her leadership and efforts for the Race & Ethnicity Team. As the team looks forward for 2026, they will be focused on developing deeper connections with community groups to ensure that BWF resources are shared with all women in Utah.