November 2025 Newsletter

Colleagues,

Good morning! I have several Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) announcements for November:

First, I am pleased to announce the release of a new research snapshot titled “Substance Use Disorders Among Utah Women: A 2025 Update” (with co-authors Rachel Denton, Corinne Clarkson, Sarah Denton, and Kolene Anderson). It provides an overview of substance use disorders among women in Utah and the US, special concerns related to women, and efforts being made to combat substance use disorders in Utah. Additionally, a few weeks ago we released a research snapshot titled “Cosmetic Surgery and Body Image Among Utah Women: A 2025 Update” (with co-authors Corinne Clarkson and Kolene Anderson).

Second, the UWLP is conducting a statewide study to explore more deeply Utahns’ understanding, awareness, attitudes, concerns, and perceptions around challenges that women and girls face (third year in a row). We welcome all individuals living in the state age 18 or older to participate (it closes on Nov. 17). The survey will take 10-20 minutes to complete. I am the primary researcher for this study. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact me at uwlp@usu.edu (USU IRB 15264). You can participate by clicking here [participants can also take it in Spanish]. Please share with others!

Third, we have a few resources to highlight this month:

• UWLP Podcast Episodes (with Utah Public Radio): Utah Women and Mental Health: A 2025 Update and The Status of Women and Entrepreneurship in Utah: A 2025 Update
• Upcoming Events: A Bolder Way Forward hosts, offers, partners, and collaborates on events across the state.
• Community Calendar: View our community calendar for all events in Utah for girls and women.

Fourth, for November, A Bolder Way Forward is highlighting “National Entrepreneurship Month” which includes Women's Entrepreneurship Day (Nov. 19) and Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) (see the Entrepreneurship Spoke), and “Homelessness Awareness Month” (see the Poverty & Homelessness Spoke). Help us all raise awareness of these issues and learn more about related goals and metrics.

Finally, check out some key articles and media published this past month:

• Utah Gets a ‘D’ on the Representation on Women in Politics — Will That Change on Election Day? (Utah News Dispatch, Oct. 29, 2025)
• Utah's Cosmetic Crisis (KSL Inside Sources, Oct. 27, 2025)
• How you Can Help Strengthen the Role of Women and Girls in Utah (ABC4 Utah, Oct. 27, 2025)
• USU UWLP Releases Research on Utah Women, Cosmetic Surgery, Body Image (Utah State Today, Oct. 23, 2025)
• Social Media Pressure, Utah Culture, Tied to Rising Cosmetic Surgery Rates (KSL TV, Oct. 23, 2025)
• New Report Makes Deep Dive in Body Image Among Utah Women (Fox 13 Now, Oct. 23, 2025)
• Utah Women and STEM Education (LinkedIn, Oct. 23, 2025)
• How the Birth Rate Plunged in One of US’ Most Fertile States (Newsweek, Oct. 12, 2025)
• Domestic Violence Awareness Rally to be Held at State Capitol (KSL TV, Oct. 9, 2025)
• The Status of Women and Entrepreneurship in Utah (LinkedIn, Oct. 7, 2025)
• Workplace Strategies Linked to Recruiting & Retaining Women (Salt Lake Business Journal, Oct. 5, 2025)

Join us on the UWLP social media platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Email uwlp@usu.edu to let us know you want to receive these updates to your own inbox if you received a forwarded email.

Enjoy November!

Susan