At the close of the Silicon Slopes Women in Leadership Spring Mentorship Cohort, we gathered for a conversation with Rebecca Brockbank on a topic that feels increasingly urgent: what it takes to protect our attention, judgment, and agency in a world moving faster than our brains were built to process.

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The session was titled Reclaim Your Brain: How to Manage the Trap of a New Kind of Brain Drain, and it gave language to something many of us are already feeling. AI is changing how we work, learn, create, decide, and lead. It is lowering barriers, expanding access, and making certain kinds of work faster than ever, and affords us new identities in new spaces (hello Builders of Lovable!). It is also introducing a new kind of mental load. More tools. More outputs. More options. More decisions. More pressure to keep up. More temptation to hand over the very parts of our thinking we most need to strengthen.

That tension is where the real conversation lives.

This is not an argument against AI. It is an argument for more intentional leadership in how we adopt it. The current pace of AI acceleration is often framed around productivity, efficiency, and competitive advantage, but too many of those conversations skip over the human system being asked to absorb the change. Companies are rolling out tools, hosting trainings, sharing prompts, and telling people to experiment. Those things may be useful, but they are not enough. AI adoption is not just a technology initiative. It is a behavior-change challenge.

That distinction matters because humans do not change simply because a better tool exists. We change through practice, repetition, feedback, emotional safety, social learning, and the slow work of building new pathways that eventually become familiar enough to trust. The brain is designed for efficiency. It returns to what it knows, especially under stress. When we are anxious, overloaded, or overstimulated, we do not become more adaptive. We tend to grip harder to the pathways that already exist.

Rebecca’s expertise sits at the intersection of learning science, cognitive and behavioral science, adult learning, emotion regulation, and human capacity development. That background shaped the heart of the discussion: if we want people to use AI well, we have to understand how people actually learn. We have to account for cognitive load, fear, overwhelm, identity disruption, and the very real discomfort that comes with building a new way of working before it feels natural.

One of the most important ideas we discussed was cognitive load, which is the mental effort required to process information, make decisions, and learn something new. AI can absolutely reduce cognitive load when it helps us summarize, organize, compare, draft, or see patterns. But AI can also increase cognitive load when the user is still learning how to evaluate the quality, accuracy, usefulness, and ethics of what comes back. For novice learners especially, AI can create the illusion of ease while quietly removing the productive struggle that real learning requires.

That productive struggle matters. We need friction. We need to wrestle with ideas. We need to form a point of view before outsourcing the polish. We need to test our assumptions, sit with ambiguity, make judgments, and revise our thinking. A tool that gives us an answer quickly can be useful. A tool that trains us out of thinking carefully is a problem.

This is especially true when AI systems are built to be agreeable. When a tool constantly validates our framing, mirrors our language, and smooths away the discomfort of being challenged, it may feel helpful in the moment while weakening the conditions required for deeper learning. Human growth often requires moderate difficulty. It requires correction. It requires tension. It requires the occasional discomfort of realizing our first thought was not our best thought.

In that sense, one of the risks of AI is not that it becomes too powerful. It is that we become too passive.

The question for leaders is not simply how to get people using AI faster. The better question is how to help people use AI without surrendering their judgment to it. How do we protect discernment, voice, ethical reasoning, creative struggle, and self-trust while also benefiting from the speed and scale these tools provide? How do experienced workers stay current without compromising the instincts they have spent years developing? How do early-career workers build real expertise when AI can help them produce work that looks mature before their judgment has caught up?

These are not side questions. They are the people plan.

For women in leadership, this conversation carries a particular kind of weight. Women are often already doing the invisible work of translating ambiguity, regulating rooms, mentoring others, absorbing emotional labor, and building credibility inside systems that have not always recognized their authority evenly. AI disruption adds another layer to that reality. It can open doors, accelerate access, and expand creative possibility. It can also create more pressure, more noise, and more opportunities for people to mistake output for wisdom.

That is why reclaiming the brain is not just a productivity conversation. It is an agency conversation.

It asks us to protect the capacities that make our leadership meaningful: attention, discernment, relational presence, judgment, creativity, and the courage to trust what we know. It also asks us to stop pretending that individuals can self-optimize their way through systemic change alone. Humans learn in relationship. We build confidence through supported practice. We regulate better when we are not isolated. Mentorship, sponsorship, peer learning, and community are not “nice to have” supports in this era. They are part of the infrastructure of adaptation.

A human-centered future of work will not be built by tools alone. It will require organizations to design for how people actually learn and change. That means smaller learning loops, safer practice environments, guided experimentation, real scaffolding, and leadership that understands the difference between exposure and adoption. It means helping people regulate the emotional load of change, not shaming them for feeling it. It means creating room for people to build fluency over time instead of pretending a single training can rewire years of habit.

It also means resisting the strange cultural pull to anthropomorphize AI into something more human than it is. We do not need to give these tools cute names, genders, emotional authority, or social status in our lives. We do not need to feel guilty for being direct with a machine. We do not need to confuse fluency with friendship or confidence with competence. AI cannot marginalize us on its own. People and systems do that. Which means people and systems carry the responsibility to choose differently.

This is also why Pope Leo XIV’s recent statements on AI and humanity feel so relevant to this conversation. His message is not that technology should be rejected. It is that technology must be put back in its proper place. In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, he writes about the need to “disarm” AI, not by stopping innovation, but by refusing to let technical power become a form of domination. That distinction matters. The question is not whether AI will become part of our work. It already has. The question is whether we will shape it with enough moral clarity, human judgment, and social responsibility to keep people from becoming secondary to the systems built to serve them.

That lands directly inside the work of leadership. If the challenge of AI is not merely technological, but human, then our response cannot be limited to tools, trainings, and productivity targets. We have to ask better questions about attention, dignity, freedom, learning, and care. We have to stop confusing access to information with wisdom, output with judgment, and speed with progress. A human-centered AI strategy has to preserve the human capacities that make work worth doing in the first place.

One line from the conversation stayed with me: we have to take our brains to the gym.

That feels like the work now. Not panic. Not hype. Not passive adoption dressed up as innovation. Practice.

We need the reps that keep our attention strong. We need the habits that keep our judgment active. We need the reflection that keeps our voice intact. We need the courage to use AI without disappearing into it.

The future of work will not be shaped only by what AI can do. It will be shaped by what humans continue to practice, protect, and value.

That is why we reclaim the brain.

Not because we are afraid of the future, but because we intend to lead it with our humanity still intact.

Learn more about Rebecca, her work, and her latest writing on AI Adoption and the Human Experience, follow her at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-brockbank/

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Squashing Imposter Syndrom

Contributing author: Lauren Mason Carris

Last week, on the eve of the Artemis II landing, the women of Silicon Slopes gathered to hear from another rocket scientist: Dr. Angela Trego.

It felt especially fitting to come together at that moment. As the world turns its attention to the visible faces of space exploration, we are reminded of something equally important: behind every celebrated mission are countless brilliant minds whose talent, discipline, and life’s work make the journey possible. The astronauts may become the face of the voyage, but the impact belongs to many. So much of the most meaningful work in science, leadership, and life lives in the category of impact, not applause.

That idea became a powerful thread throughout the evening, which also served to amplify Angela’s book, Squashing the Imposter Syndrome, a practical guide to building confidence and moving through self-doubt without burnout.

Though our conversation centered on imposter syndrome, what stood out most was how universal the experience really is. It shows up when we cross new thresholds: graduating from college and stepping into a first real job, taking on expanded scope and new responsibilities, navigating parenting challenges unique to this generation and culture, or learning how to adapt and thrive in the era of AI. Again and again, women in the room reflected on the same truth: growth and expansion often brings self-doubt with it.

What made the experience so meaningful was not just naming that experience, but offering practical ways through it.

Angela shared grounded, useful tactics along with memorable inspiration, including the Charles Bukowski quote: “The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts while the stupid ones are full of confidence.” It struck a chord because it named something many high-capacity people know intimately. Doubt is often not a reflection of inadequacy. It can be a byproduct of criticality, awareness, ambition, and stretching into something new.

We also talked about how today’s content and social media environment creates a relentless backdrop for comparison. One of the most helpful mindset shifts of the evening was the reminder to compare less against others and more against our own growth. How far have we come? How have we evolved? What have we learned? And perhaps just as importantly, are we measuring ourselves by applause, or by impact?

That distinction matters.

Because in a world that often rewards visibility, many women are doing extraordinary work that may never receive the loudest recognition, but is no less valuable, influential, or worthy. The evening was a powerful reminder that leadership is not always about being the most seen. Often, it is about contributing meaningfully, growing courageously, and learning to trust (and occasionally amplify) the value of your work even when it is quieter than the spotlight.

Thank you to Dr. Angela Trego for such a thoughtful and practical conversation, and to everyone who joined us and made the event feel so honest, validating, and encouraging.

To learn more about Dr. Angela Trego or purchase Squashing the Imposter Syndrome, visit her official website and book page. www.angelatrego.com

Level Up: Career Development Day

Career growth rarely comes from sitting through another panel. It happens when you get real feedback, ask honest questions, and connect directly with people who can help you move forward.

That’s exactly what Level Up: Career Development Day is designed to offer.

This is an interactive, come-as-you-are experience where you’ll have the opportunity to visit expert tables, get one-on-one coaching, and receive personalized guidance on the questions that matter most to you. You can refresh your resume, get a professional headshot, and explore tools, resources, and connections that support your next step.

There’s no need to show up perfectly prepared. Just come ready to engage and focus on what would make the biggest difference for you right now.

Whether you’re exploring a new direction, preparing for a transition, or looking to grow where you are, this event creates space for clarity, momentum, and meaningful connection.

If you’ve been thinking about what’s next but haven’t had the structure or support to take action, this is your opportunity.

https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

Upcoming Events

April

April 23 Career Development Day

Career Development Day is happening April 23 and registration is now open.

This is a hands-on, come-as-you-are event designed to help you move your career in the direction you want. Instead of panels or long talks, you will rotate through interactive stations where you can get a professional headshot, refresh or review your resume, receive one-on-one coaching, and explore tools, resources, and connections tailored to your next step.

Whether you are exploring a new role, preparing for a transition, or looking to grow where you are, this event offers practical support, real feedback, and clarity you can act on.

https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

April 24 Almost Earth Day Hike

​Join us for a Community Hike, a casual outdoor meetup focused on movement, conversation, and connection. We will enjoy an easy to moderate hike together, creating space to step away from the day-to-day, get outside, and connect with others along the trail. Come as you are, move at your own pace, and enjoy the time together. Everyone is welcome.

https://luma.com/am0bfdmv

May

May 22 Spring Mentorship Closing Ceremony

​Join us as we close out the spring mentorship season with an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. This event is an opportunity to honor the relationships built, share insights and growth from the journey, and thank the mentors and mentees who made the program meaningful. Everyone is welcome as we celebrate the community and momentum created this season.

https://luma.com/6xie3ioq

People-First AI Book Launch Party

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Last week, we came together for the People-First AI Integration book launch with Robin Huling, and it was truly something special.

People from across the community gathered for an evening that felt both energizing and grounding. Robin shared from the book and brought her perspective to life in a way that was clear, practical, and deeply human. The conversation sparked thoughtful dialogue around how we approach AI not just as a tool, but as something that shapes culture, trust, and the way we work together.

What stood out most was the shared sense that there is a better way to move forward with AI. One that keeps people at the center. The room was full of connection, curiosity, and real conversations. It was one of those evenings that reminds us why this community exists.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a meaningful experience.

Squashing the Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Angela Trego

There is a quiet but persistent voice that shows up for many high-achieving leaders. It questions whether you belong in the room, whether you are truly qualified, whether at some point someone will “find you out.” It does not discriminate by experience, title, or success. In fact, it often shows up strongest in those who are the most capable.

Imposter syndrome is not a reflection of ability. It is a pattern of thinking, and left unaddressed, it can shape how we show up, the risks we take, and the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue.

On April 9, we are creating space for a more honest conversation around this experience with Dr. Angela Trego.

As a rocket scientist and best-selling author, Angela brings both credibility and lived experience to this topic. But more importantly, she brings a grounded, practical perspective on how to move through self-doubt and into a more confident, aligned way of leading.

If you have ever hesitated before speaking up, questioned your readiness for the next step, or felt like you had to prove yourself more than others, this conversation will resonate.

And more importantly, it will help you move forward differently.

Join us for a powerful and practical discussion on stepping fully into your leadership.

Register here: https://luma.com/uoidzmp2

Here’s the link to grab a copy or learn more about the book: www.angelatrego.com/book

Upcoming Events

April 9 — Squashing the Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Angela Trego
Rocket scientist and best-selling author Dr. Angela Trego leads a candid lunchtime conversation on overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in leadership and career growth.
https://luma.com/uoidzmp2

April 23 — Career Development Day
A hands-on career growth event featuring professional headshots, resume reviews, one-on-one coaching, and practical resources to help you take your next professional step.
https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

April 24 — Almost Earth Day Hike
Step outside for a casual community hike focused on movement, conversation, and connection in the outdoors.
https://luma.com/am0bfdmv

May 22 — Spring Mentorship Closing Ceremony
Join us for an evening celebrating the mentors, mentees, and relationships that shaped this season of the Women in Leadership mentorship program.
https://luma.com/6xie3ioq

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Mountain Therapy Friday at Snowbird

Leadership required energy, perspective, and space to reset. One of the most powerful ways to reconnect with both yourself and your community was by stepping outside the normal work environment.

Mountain Therapy Friday at Snowbird did exactly that.

We gathered Friday for an afternoon on the mountain focused on movement, connection, and renewal. Whether participants skied, snowshoed, or simply enjoyed the mountain setting, the experience created space for informal conversation and meaningful connection with other women in leadership.

The afternoon also included a grounding sound bath experience, offering a moment to slow down and reset before heading into the weekend. These moments of pause were where new ideas, clarity, and community naturally emerged.

For those who joined, it was a powerful reminder of how combining nature, leadership, and intentional space can create real renewal.

People-First AI Book Launch Party

This Thursday join us for the launch of People-First AI Integration by Robin Huling, an evening centered on leading AI adoption in a way that strengthens people, culture, and real work.

This book launch party brings together founders, executives, operators, and community leaders who want to approach AI with clarity and intention. In a time when many organizations feel pressure to move quickly, Robin’s work offers a practical framework for integrating AI without losing trust, alignment, or humanity along the way.

During the evening, Robin will share insights on why many AI initiatives struggle and what leaders can do differently. The conversation will explore how organizations can create buy-in across teams, design thoughtful implementation strategies, and build systems that support people rather than replace them.

You will leave with practical ideas, a clearer perspective on how to move forward inside your own organization, and the opportunity to connect with leaders who are thinking carefully about the future of work.

Come celebrate the release, meet Robin, and be part of shaping a more human centered approach to AI.

Register Here: https://luma.com/qec50vpc

Upcoming Events

March 19 — People First AI Integration Book Launch Party
Celebrate the launch of Robin Huling’s People First AI Integration with an evening conversation on how leaders can adopt AI while strengthening culture, trust, and real work.
https://luma.com/qec50vpc

April 9 — Squashing the Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Angela Trego
Rocket scientist and best-selling author Dr. Angela Trego leads a candid lunchtime conversation on overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in leadership and career growth.
https://luma.com/uoidzmp2

April 23 — Career Development Day
A hands-on career growth event featuring professional headshots, resume reviews, one-on-one coaching, and practical resources to help you take your next professional step.
https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

April 24 — Almost Earth Day Hike
Step outside for a casual community hike focused on movement, conversation, and connection in the outdoors.
https://luma.com/am0bfdmv

May 22 — Spring Mentorship Closing Ceremony
Join us for an evening celebrating the mentors, mentees, and relationships that shaped this season of the Women in Leadership mentorship program.
https://luma.com/6xie3ioq

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Equal Pay Day

Women in Leadership chair Gail Coates spoke at the Equal Pay Day event on March 4, an important conversation bringing together women, leaders, and allies to address pay equity in Utah.

Hosted by A Bolder Way Forward the event focused on honest discussion and practical action.

The conversation explored:
• What discrimination can look like in everyday workplace settings
• Resources and tools available today
• How individuals, organizations, and policy can help drive change

Events like this remind us that progress happens when voices are heard and leaders step forward to advocate for fairness and opportunity.

International Women’s Day Event with Lovable x SheBuilds

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Maven Salt Lake City hosted the Lovable x SheBuilds Women Event, bringing together builders, creators, and innovators from across the tech community.

The event welcomed developers, designers, product thinkers, founders, students, and allies for a day of hands-on collaboration and experimentation. Participants formed teams, explored new tools, and built creative solutions with support from mentors throughout the day.

The event became a space for learning, boosting technical confidence, creating connection, and shipping full web app builds. We even built our own showcase platform to amplify the builds our community is creating. Stay tuned for announcements and more events to come!

Highlights from the day included:

• Women creating their first builder accounts
• Learning developer terminology and build workflows
• Experimenting with rapid prototyping and iteration
• Testing builds on mobile
• Celebrating several first-time product builds
• Expanding the local builder network
• Discovering a new coworking and event space at Maven Create

Most importantly, the event helped spark a growing community of women builders committed to continuing the momentum through future sessions focused on security, testing, QA, and product launches.

March 13: A Day at Snowbird

Join us at Snowbird for an afternoon designed to create space for reflection, connection, and renewal through both conversation and time on the mountain.

We’ll begin with Seasons of Leadership: Why Sustainable Power Isn’t Linear, an intimate conversation exploring how women can navigate transitions in their lives and careers and transform those moments into deeper clarity, sustainable leadership, and meaningful impact.

After the discussion, we’ll move into Mountain Therapy Friday, an informal gathering on the mountain. Participants will ski together, pause for conversation, and close the afternoon with a grounding sound bath.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM – Early Meet and ski together

• 12:00 PM – Meet and ski together
• 1:00 PM – Seasons of Leadership conversation
• Afternoon skiing and connection
• 3:30 PM – Sound bath
• Wrap up around 5:00 PM

Intermediate skiers and above are recommended, though you are welcome to join just for the sound bath.

Details:
• $35 donation recommended for the sound bath
• Lift ticket not included. Discount passes available

This event is sponsored by InHouse Marketing Studio.

Register:
https://luma.com/dfg39p8x
https://luma.com/gfzfd6br

March 19: Book Launch: People First AI Integration

Join us for the launch of People First AI Integration by Robin Huling, an evening focused on how leaders can adopt AI in ways that strengthen people, culture, and real work.

This gathering will bring together founders, executives, operators, and community leaders who want to approach AI with clarity and intention. While many organizations feel pressure to move quickly, Robin’s work offers a practical framework for integrating AI without losing trust, alignment, or humanity along the way.

The evening will include a conversation with Robin exploring why many AI initiatives struggle, how leaders can create genuine buy in across teams, and what it looks like to build systems that support people rather than replace them.

Come celebrate the book’s release, connect with thoughtful leaders across the community, and leave with practical insight on how to move forward with AI in your own organization.

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We are grateful to have Robin Huling as a creative force, idea generator, and energy source behind so many of our Women in Leadership events. Her drive, optimism, and vision help push us forward and make a difference in our community.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to bring AI into your organization in a way that makes sense for your team, Robin’s new book, People-First AI Integration, is a practical guide that meets that need. You can find it here: https://a.co/d/0hsHziPJ.

In this book, Robin equips leaders with the tools to navigate what can feel like the Wild West of technology without losing the humanity and culture that make workplaces thrive. She pairs emotional intelligence with AI strategy, showing leaders how to integrate new technologies while keeping people at the center of every decision and workflow.

Key insights from People-First AI Integration include:

• Building practical AI literacy so you understand its capabilities and limitations
• Creating guardrails that protect your data, culture, and people
• Designing realistic workflows your team can implement
• Leading AI change with clear, repeatable steps instead of guesswork

What makes this book especially relevant is its emphasis on emotional intelligence as the most valuable leadership tool in an AI infused era. Rather than guessing your way through trends, Robin provides leaders with a clear path to use AI in ways that truly support their teams.

Whether you are curious about AI strategy, responsible adoption, or leading through change, People-First AI Integration speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities leaders face today.

Stay tuned for more conversations around innovation, leadership development, and the future of work.

Upcoming Events

March 4
Pay Equity in Utah: Use Your Voice
Join Bolder Way Forward for an in person event featuring speakers and a panel discussion on pay inequity, workplace discrimination, and actionable solutions for change.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982648553194

March 8
Lovable International Day of Women Hack-A-Thon
A high energy, collaborative hackathon celebrating women in tech with hands on building, mentorship, and meaningful connection.
https://luma.com/kbs55243

March 13
Seasons of Leadership: Why Sustainable Power Isn’t Linear
Join us at Snowbird for an intimate conversation on navigating transition and leading with clarity and resilience, followed by Mountain Therapy Friday so you can make a full afternoon of connection and renewal.
https://luma.com/dfg39p8x

March 13
Mountain Therapy Friday: Snowbird Edition
Spend the afternoon skiing and connecting at Snowbird, then reset with a grounding sound bath, with the option to begin your day at the Seasons of Leadership session held just before.
https://luma.com/gfzfd6br

March 19
People First AI Integration Book Launch Party
Celebrate Robin Huling’s book launch and join a thoughtful conversation on leading AI adoption in ways that strengthen people and culture.
https://luma.com/qec50vpc

April 23
Career Development Day
A hands on career growth event offering headshots, resume reviews, coaching, and practical tools to help you move forward with clarity.
https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

April 24
Almost Earth Day Hike
A casual community hike focused on fresh air, authentic conversation, and connection outdoors.
https://luma.com/am0bfdmv

May 22
Spring Mentorship Closing Ceremony
An evening of reflection and celebration honoring the mentors, mentees, and relationships built during the spring season.
https://luma.com/6xie3ioq

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We met for coffee and left with more than caffeine. The conversation was thoughtful, honest, and energizing. Some women shared what they are building. Others talked through career pivots, leadership challenges, and ideas they have been sitting on for months. There is something powerful about sitting across the table from someone who understands both ambition and real life.

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Coffee Connection is intentionally simple. No program. No formal networking. Just space to connect in a way that feels natural. Whether you are exploring a new direction, growing in your current role, or just looking to meet other driven women in the community, this is an easy place to start. We hope you will join us for the next one.

Mountain Therapy Fridays

We spent Friday at Sundance with fresh air, long runs, and great conversation on the lifts. There is something about being on the mountain that changes the tone of a conversation. Ideas flow easier. Problems feel more solvable. Big goals feel more doable.

Of course, true to form, there were a few laptops open between runs. Quick check ins. A little problem solving. Some planning for what is next. It is a reminder that work and life do not have to compete. They can blend in a way that feels energizing instead of draining.

Mountain Therapy Fridays are about getting outside, building friendships, and creating space to think. You do not have to be the best skier on the mountain. You just have to be willing to show up.

Mentorship Program

Our spring mentorship session has officially kicked off. Mentors and mentees are now meeting regularly, setting clear goals, and committing to steady progress. We emphasize consistent connection, practical accountability, and conversations that move beyond surface level advice.

This program works because participants show up ready to engage. Mentors give generously from their experience. Mentees come prepared to grow, stretch, and take action. Throughout the session, we will also host events that are open to the broader community, creating even more opportunities to learn and connect.

If you are part of this round, we are excited to see what you build between now and the end of the session. If you missed it, we will launch again in the fall and would love to have you join us then.

Events

Pay Equity in Utah: Use Your Voice
March 4
An in person event bringing together women, leaders, and allies for honest conversation about pay inequity, workplace discrimination, and practical tools for change.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982648553194

Lovable International Day of Women Hack A Thon
March 8
A collaborative, high energy hackathon celebrating women in tech with hands on building, mentorship, and meaningful connection.
https://luma.com/kbs55243

Seasons of Leadership: Why Sustainable Power Is Not Linear
March 13
An intimate conversation exploring how to navigate seasons of change and build sustainable, impactful leadership.
https://luma.com/dfg39p8x

Mountain Therapy Friday: Snowbird Edition
March 13
An afternoon on the slopes designed for connection, fresh air, and community with intermediate skiers and beyond.
https://luma.com/gfzfd6br

People First AI Integration Book Launch Party
March 19
Celebrate the launch of Robin Huling’s book with a conversation on leading AI adoption in ways that strengthen people, culture, and trust.
https://luma.com/qec50vpc

Career Development Day
April 23
A hands on event featuring headshots, resume reviews, coaching, and practical tools to help you move your career forward.
https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

Almost Earth Day Hike
April 24
A casual community hike offering space to unplug, move at your own pace, and connect outdoors.
https://luma.com/am0bfdmv

Spring Mentorship Closing Ceremony
May 22
An evening of reflection and celebration honoring the mentors, mentees, and growth from this season’s program.
https://luma.com/6xie3ioq

Thank you for being part of Women in Leadership. The momentum is real, and it is growing because of you.

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February 8 Mentorship Applications Close

Applications for the Silicon Slopes Latino and Women in Leadership Mentorship Program close February 8.

This program is open to everyone and is a powerful way to build meaningful relationships, gain guidance and accountability, and give back to the community. Mentors and mentees are matched based on goals and experience, with an emphasis on consistent connection and real progress.

If you have been thinking about applying, do not wait.

Apply here:
https://apply.mentoringfusion.com/SPRING

February 13 Mountain Therapy Fridays Ski Day

Mountain Therapy Fridays is heading to the slopes on Friday February 13th.
https://luma.com/uzl4s61o

This women’s outdoor meetup is designed to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy a fun afternoon on the mountain together. This is a casual, inclusive group for intermediate skiers and beyond.

We will meet at 1:00 PM, ski a few runs, take breaks as needed, and wrap up around 5:00 PM. Come for the movement, stay for the connection.

March 13 Seasons of Leadership: Why Sustainable Power Isn’t Linear

Join us on Friday March 13th for an intimate and reflective conversation on leadership, growth, and change.
https://luma.com/dfg39p8x

In this talk, we will explore how women can recognize, honor, and alchemize periods of transition in our lives and careers into deeper clarity, sustainable leadership, and meaningful impact at work and beyond.

This session is for anyone navigating change or sensing that a new season is unfolding.

April 23 Career Development Day

Career Development Day is happening April 23 and registration is now open.
https://luma.com/60nsrcr7

This is a hands-on, come-as-you-are event designed to help you move your career in the direction you want. Instead of panels or long talks, you will rotate through interactive stations where you can get a professional headshot, refresh or review your resume, receive one-on-one coaching, and explore tools, resources, and connections tailored to your next step.

Whether you are exploring a new role, preparing for a transition, or looking to grow where you are, this event offers practical support, real feedback, and clarity you can act on.

Tech Week and Summit Recap

Over the past week, our community came together for a powerful series of conversations, workshops, and connections focused on building sustainable careers, strong leadership skills, and smarter approaches to capital and technology.

We kicked things off with Capital Strategies 101, where investors, bankers, and financial planners broke down how money actually works at different stages of growth. Attendees walked away with a clearer understanding of funding options, how to align capital with real business goals, and why “getting funded” is only one part of the equation.

That conversation continued with Common Ways Founders Lose Capital Through Fraud and Rushed Decisions, a practical and eye-opening session on protecting your business and momentum. We unpacked real-world examples of scams, red flags founders often miss, and how slowing down can be one of the smartest growth strategies.

On the career side, Designing a Career That Fits Your Purpose Beyond Titles invited participants to rethink traditional definitions of success. Rather than chasing the next role, this session focused on aligning work with values, energy, and life priorities, helping people move from constant striving to more intentional and fulfilling career paths.

We also explored the human skills that matter more than ever in a tech-driven world with Upskill Your People Skills: Become the Leader AI Can’t Replace. The session centered on communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution as critical tools for leadership, influence, and long-term relevance.

For those ready to get hands-on with AI, Prompt Engineering: AI Communication Strategies for Smarter and Faster Integration delivered exactly that. Participants worked live on crafting better prompts, building repeatable frameworks, and learning how to use AI more effectively without needing a technical background.

Connection was a major theme throughout the week. Women in Leadership After Hours Networking created space for relaxed, meaningful conversations without pressure or pitch decks, while Speed Mentorship brought fast-paced, high-impact one-on-one conversations that sparked new ideas, insights, and relationships in just 15 minutes at a time.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared openly, asked great questions, and helped make these events what they were. This is what community looks like when learning, growth, and connection come together.

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Monday

9:00 – 10:30 AM
Capital Strategies 101
A practical breakdown of funding options and how capital works at different stages of growth.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/capital-strategies-101-b35

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Designing a Career That Fits Your Purpose
Explore how to build a career aligned with values, impact, and long-term success.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/designing-a-career-that-fits-your-purpose-beyond-titles-5iu

12:30 – 1:30 PM
Upskill your People Skills: Become the Leader AI Can’t Replace
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/upskill-your-people-skills-become-the-leader-ai-cant-replace-ai9

2:00 – 3:00 PM
The Power Pipeline: Getting Women Into VC, Board, and C-Suite Positions
A conversation on pathways to leadership, investment, and decision-making roles.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/the-power-pipeline-getting-women-into-vc-board-and-c-suite-positions-yl3

4:00 – 5:30 PM
Getting Hired With AI
Learn how AI tools are reshaping resumes, interviews, and job search strategies.
🔗 https://luma.com/aic-sl-2-2

6:00 – 10:30 PM
Opening Party
An evening kickoff to connect, meet new people, and start Tech Week together.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/opening-party-n21l

Tuesday

10:00 – 11:30 AM
Prompt Engineering: AI Communication Strategies
Hands-on guidance for writing better prompts and working more effectively with AI.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/prompt-engineering-ai-communication-strategies-for-smarter-and-faster-integration-hk8j

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Vibe Coding
A collaborative coding session focused on creativity, flow, and experimentation.
🔗 https://luma.com/kfnbbxbq

6:00 – 8:00 PM
3 x 3 Networking Event
Structured networking with rotating small-group conversations.
🔗 https://www.tech-moms.org/event-details-registration/tech-moms-x-women-tech-council-3x3-networking-event

6:30 – 8:30 PM
Women in Leadership After Hours Networking
An evening event focused on connection, leadership, and shared experiences.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/women-in-leadership-after-hours-networking-pqd

Wednesday

1:00 – 1:30 PM
The AI Leadership Advantage
🔗 https://community.summit.ing/events/summit-2026/sessions/the-ai-leadership-advantage

1:30 – 2:00 PM
Facilitated Conversation: Preparing for Your Summit
🔗 https://community.summit.ing/events/summit-2026/sessions/facilitated-conversation-preparing-for-your-summit

2:45 – 3:30 PM
Seeing the Unseen: Recognizing the Labor That Fuels Innovation
🔗 https://community.summit.ing/events/summit-2026/sessions/seeing-the-unseen-recognizing-the-labor-that-fuels-innovation

3:00 – 3:45 PM
Unforgettable Presence
🔗 https://community.summit.ing/events/summit-2026/sessions/building-a-powerful-linkedin

Thursday

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Speed Mentorship
Fast-paced mentorship conversations offering focused feedback and insight.
🔗 https://luma.com/pzqnzfw8

12:30 – 1:30 PM
How Founders Lose Capital
An honest look at common fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/funding-your-growth-a-practical-guide-for-founders-and-entrepreneurs-4gb

Saturday

5:30 – 9:00 PM
Closing Party
A closing celebration to wrap up Tech Week and Summit connections.
🔗 https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/closing-party-mn2i

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Our Spring Mentorship Cohort is officially accepting applications, and spots fill quickly. This program is designed to create real connection, practical guidance, and momentum, whether you are navigating growth, change, or looking to give back.

https://apply.mentoringfusion.com/SPRING

🗓 Applications close February 7
If you have been thinking about it, this is your sign. Do not miss out.

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Tech Week Is Next Week

We are heading into Tech Week with some truly amazing events!

Capital Strategies 101: How to GET, KEEP, and GROW your MONEY

This panel brings together investors, bankers, and financial planners to break down how capital really works across different stages of growth. We’ll cover the full funding landscape in plain English, explore how to match capital to your business goals, and unpack the tradeoffs that often get skipped in the excitement of “getting funded.”

https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/capital-strategies-101-b35

Designing a Career That Fits Your Purpose Beyond Titles

We’re often taught that success comes from the next promotion, title, or milestone, but many people reach those markers and still feel unfulfilled, burned out, or disconnected from their work.
In this session, we’ll explore how to redefine success on your own terms and design a career that truly fits your life, values, and energy, right where you are. Rather than chasing the next role and hoping it brings happiness, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions, gain clarity on what actually fuels you, and align your work in a way that creates more purpose, passion, and momentum.
Whether you’re an executive, manager, or individual contributor, this talk will help you move from striving to thriving by building a version of success that’s intentional, sustainable, and meaningful, no title change required.

https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/designing-a-career-that-fits-your-purpose-beyond-titles-5iu

The AI Collective Salt Lake City | Get Hired with AI: Pro Tips for Job Seekers

​AI is reshaping how candidates are discovered, screened, and selected — which means job seekers need a new strategy to get noticed. This panel and Q&A session is designed for anyone navigating a job search and looking for clear, actionable advice to improve their chances of landing interviews.

​Our speakers Katherine Kimmel, Tracy Kane, Jon Mott, and Lauren Mason Carris will share how AI is driving hiring today, and offer practical guidance to strengthen your resumé, online presence, and overall job-search strategy.

​Panel discussion will be followed by audience Q&A and networking with light refreshments.

https://luma.com/aic-sl-2-2

Upskill Your People Skills: Become the leader AI Can’t Replace

Learn how to show up, speak up, and lead with quiet confidence using effective communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution to stay relevant, respected, and impossible to overlook in a tech-driven world.

https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/upskill-your-people-skills-become-the-leader-ai-cant-replace-ai9

Prompt Engineering: AI Communication Strategies for Smarter & Faster Integration

Bring your laptop! We are going to get to work. Strategic prompt engineering is the foundational skill that will set you up for success.
In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to write smarter prompts that improve accuracy, save time, and unlock AI’s full potential without having to be a developer. Walk away with repeatable frameworks, prompt templates, and a prompt library you can apply immediately.

https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/prompt-engineering-ai-communication-strategies-for-smarter-and-faster-integration-hk8j

Vibe Mania: From Idea to App in 90 Minutes

​If you can write a prompt, you can build an app.

​Vibe Mania is a high-energy, hands-on workshop designed to take you from a concept to a live web application in just 90 minutes. We will teach you step by step how to use the vibe coding app, Lovable, to translate your prompts directly into a product.

​This is a hands-on session. No matter your background or technical experience, you’ll spend 90 minutes in the driver’s seat, using prompts to shape, refine, and deploy a real-world application.

https://luma.com/kfnbbxbq

Tech-Moms x Women Tech Council 3x3 Networking Event

Tech-Moms and Women Tech Council have teamed up for Utah Tech Week to host a 3x3 networking experience designed to make real, meaningful connections across Utah’s tech community. This structured format brings small groups together for three rounds of focused conversation, giving you the chance to meet a variety of professionals, share your story, and build relationships that go beyond quick introductions. Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re growing your career, exploring the tech space, or simply looking to connect with inspiring people, this collaborative 3x3 event creates space for authentic dialogue, fresh perspectives, and powerful new opportunities. Light refreshments will be served.

https://www.tech-moms.org/event-details-registration/tech-moms-x-women-tech-council-3x3-networking-event

Women in Leadership After Hours Networking

Wrap up your day with real conversation, genuine connections, and zero pressure to “network perfectly.” This casual after-hours gathering is a chance to connect with other women leaders, founders, and professionals who get it. No awkward elevator pitches. Just great people, meaningful conversation, and a little midweek momentum.

Come as you are.. Leave with new connections and a full cup (literally and figuratively).

https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/women-in-leadership-after-hours-networking-pqd

Speed Mentorship

Get ready for speed mentorship, where meaningful conversations happen fast. You will be paired one-on-one for 15 minutes with someone new each round. Bring a real challenge you are facing and walk away with fresh perspectives, practical ideas, and maybe even a new connection you did not expect. Think quick insights, honest conversations, and lots of lightbulb moments in a short amount of time.

https://luma.com/event/manage/evt-hxzUvyYkYxxYxu2

Common Ways Founders Lose Capital Through Fraud and Rushed Decisions

Raising or managing capital is exciting, but it’s also where many startups lose money fast. This workshop breaks down the most common ways founders and leaders lose capital through fraud, rushed decisions, and “too good to be true” funding offers. We’ll cover how investment scams work, how fake capital shows up in real conversations, and the local scam patterns currently targeting Utah startups.

The goal is simple: help you slow down, spot red flags early, and protect your money, your business, and your momentum.

Smart growth starts with safe decisions. This session helps you make both.

https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/funding-your-growth-a-practical-guide-for-founders-and-entrepreneurs-4gb

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We are excited to kick off another incredible year of connection, learning, and growth. Our mentorship applications are officially open, and we have a packed calendar of events designed to support women at every stage of their careers. All events are open to everyone, and we encourage you to join us, bring a friend, and get involved.

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Apply for Spring 2026 Mentorship Cohort

Our mentorship program is designed to create meaningful relationships, practical guidance, and real momentum. Whether you are looking to grow as a leader, navigate a career transition, or give back as a mentor, this program is for you. Applications are now open, and we cannot wait to welcome our next cohort.

Applications Close February 7!

https://apply.mentoringfusion.com/SPRING

Tech Week Events

During Tech Week, we are hosting several hands-on and high-impact events focused on building skills and community.

• Designing a Career That Fits Your Purpose and Success Beyond Titles

  Monday, February 2

  11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

  Registration link coming soon!

• Prompt Engineering Workshop with Lunch

  Tuesday, February 3

  9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

  Learn how to work effectively with AI tools, write better prompts, and apply these skills in real-world scenarios.

  https://app.getriver.io/beta/events/prompt-engineering-ai-communication-strategies-for-smarter-and-faster-integration-hk8j

• Vibe Mania! Vibe Coding Workshop with Lunch

  Tuesday, February 3

  11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  This is a high-energy, hands-on workshop designed to take you from a concept to a live web application in just 90 minutes. We will teach you step by step how to use the vibe coding app, Lovable, to translate your prompts directly into a product.

  https://luma.com/kfnbbxbq

• After Hours Party

  Tuesday, February 3

  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  Join Women in Leadership and Renaissance Financial with us to celebrate Tech Week with a relaxed evening of networking, conversation, and community.

  Registration Link Coming Soon!

• Speed Mentorship with Lunch

  Thursday, February 5

  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  This is a fast-paced and fun Speed Mentorship event during Tech Week. This session is designed to spark meaningful connections, fresh perspectives, and moments of real growth through short, engaging conversations with mentors and peers. Come curious, bring your questions, and leave energized by the people you meet and the ideas you share. Everyone is welcome.

  https://luma.com/pzqnzfw8

• Financial Wellness with Lunch

  Thursday, February 5

  12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  More Details to Come!

Upcoming Community Events

We are launching a consistent rhythm of events so you can plug in throughout the year.

• Feb 13th Coffee at La Barba
  Come and hang out with us at Coffee Connection, a relaxed drop-in gathering held on the second Friday of every month. Stop by when you can for great coffee, easy conversation, and meaningful connections. There is no agenda and no pressure, just a welcoming space to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, and start your day in community. Everyone is welcome.

  https://luma.com/5tyzzltm

• Seasons of Leadership: Why Sustainable Power isn’t Linear

  In this talk, we’ll explore how women can recognize, honor, and alchemize periods of change in our lives and careers into deeper clarity, sustainable leadership, and meaningful impact — at work and beyond. March (exact date and location TBD)

  https://luma.com/dfg39p8x

• April 24th (Almost) Earth Day Hike
  Enjoy some nature during our Community Hike, a casual outdoor meetup focused on movement, conversation, and connection. We will enjoy an easy to moderate hike together, creating space to step away from the day-to-day, get outside, and connect with others along the trail. Come as you are, move at your own pace, and enjoy the time together. Everyone is welcome. Exact hike will be announced beforehand depending on weather and conditions.

  https://luma.com/am0bfdmv

• Mentorship Closing Event in May
  Celebrate with us as we close out the spring mentorship season with an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. This event is an opportunity to honor the relationships built, share insights and growth from the journey, and thank the mentors and mentees who made the program meaningful. Everyone is welcome as we celebrate the community and momentum created this season. May (exact date and location TBD)

  https://luma.com/6xie3ioq

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Women in Leadership has an incredible year planned, and we are thrilled to share what is coming next.

We will kick off the year by opening applications for our Spring Mentorship Cohort on January 2. We are joining forces with other organizations to create our largest, most vibrant, and truly life-changing mentorship program yet. Please stay tuned for application links and additional details.

February will be a busy and energizing month as we participate in Tech Week. We are planning both a Prompt Engineering Workshop and a Vibe Coding Workshop on February 3 in the Lehi area. Final details are still being confirmed, and we will share updates soon.

In addition, we have a Lunch and Learn planned that focuses on decoding common career patterns that hold us back, along with a community hike to connect, reflect, and recharge together.

Event Spotlight: Designing your Voice with Lauren Mason Carris

At a recent Women in Leadership Lunch & Learn, participants were invited into a different kind of conversation about leadership, communication, and authority.

Most presentations on Voice and Authority focus on confidence, volume and projection, on being more polished, or more performative. Lauren’s session centered on something different, something deeper and often overlooked:

learning to trust your inner voice before the room does.

In her talk, Design Your Voice: Storytelling Patterns, Lauren began with stillness, not slides. She opened with a short grounding meditation, giving the room space to slow down, arrive fully, and reconnect with themselves. The pause served as a powerful reminder that authority doesn’t begin when we speak, it begins when we are present.

Presence, she emphasized, is the foundation of being heard, especially for women who have learned to manage tone, soften language, or shrink themselves to fit someone else’s definition of “professional.”

From there, Lauren introduced a simple yet effective storytelling framework she uses with leaders across industries:

Pain. Problem. Promise.

• Pain centers the audience and what they are experiencing.

• Problem identifies the deeper cause beneath the surface.

• Promise points to what becomes possible when the pattern shifts.
  

The framework, drawing on human-centered design, helped clarify how leaders can move from sharing information to telling stories that build trust, create alignment, and inspire action.

Lauren applied the framework to rephrase a common myth about Women’s Leadership: imposter syndrome is a flaw.” This reframe, through the practice of the 3P Pattern, addressed something many women recognize immediately, but rarely name out loud:

“Imposter syndrome isn’t a personal flaw, it’s a cultural mirror.”

By reframing self-doubt not as a lack of confidence, but as a response to narrow leadership ideals and outdated definitions of credibility, Lauren ignited a refined sense of confidence, inspiration, and momentum within the audience. By changing the template, we could practice real being the change we want to see.

Her session also explored how posture, breath, and grounded movement shape not only how others perceive us, but how we experience our own authority. When leaders embody their story, they no longer need to convince the room, they invite it in.

One line that resonated strongly throughout the room was:

“Authenticity isn’t a personality trait, it’s a permission structure.”

The takeaway was clear: designing your voice isn’t about fixing yourself or performing confidence. It’s about creating the internal and cultural conditions where your real voice can be trusted.

The session concluded with reflection, leaving participants with a renewed connection to the voice they already have, and a clearer sense of how and when they want to use it.

Because designing your voice isn’t about becoming someone else (that’s the imposter!).

It’s about widening the template, and choosing to speak from truth instead of pressure.

As we step into December, it is hard to believe how quickly the year has moved. We hope you had a warm and restorative Thanksgiving surrounded by people who matter to you. As the pace of the season picks up, we are wishing you moments of peace, joy and steadiness amid the holiday rush.

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Recent Highlights

We had a great time at the AI Conference this past week. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. Thank you to everyone who helped out, said hello or joined conversations throughout the day.

What’s Coming Up

Coffee Connection: We will also be hosting our monthly casual coffee hangout at LaBarba Coffee in Draper on Dec 12 from 8:30 to 10:00. It is a simple drop in gathering, nothing structured just good coffee, incredible pastries and a chance to connect, chat and make new friends. Come by whenever you can.

Spring Mentorship: applications open in January, with the program kicking off at the end of Tech Week (Feb 2 through 7). If you want to grow, lead or give back as a mentor, keep an eye out for the announcement.

AI Prompt Engineering Workshop: We are also planning an AI prompt engineering workshop. More details will be shared soon so stay tuned.

Event Spotlight: Owning Our Authority with Alison Pickett

At our recent Women in Leadership lunch and learn, Alison Pickett delivered a session that encouraged all of us to rethink how we tell our stories.

She showed how the same career can be framed in completely different ways and how those frames change the emotional experience for the listener. Are we presenting ourselves as someone who overcame, someone who leads boldly or someone who grows steadily and guides others along the way? The version we choose matters. It shapes connection, trust and the opportunities that follow.

Alison then shifted into a practical conversation on networking. Instead of opening with a job title, she encouraged us to lead with what drives us: the work we care about, the people we serve or the problem we feel called to solve. That kind of clarity creates real connection and often opens doors that titles never could.

Her message was an invitation to step more fully into our authority by owning our voice and choosing our story with intention.

As we head intoThanksgiving, we want to take a moment to share our gratitude. This community has grown because of your energy, curiosity, and willingness to lift one another. Thank you for showing up, cheering each other on, and helping build a space where women can lead with confidence and purpose.

Mentorship Program Feedback

Our fall mentorship program has wrapped up, and we would love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps us shape future cohorts and ensure the experience continues to grow in impact. Even if you didn’t participate but have thoughts on what you’d like in the future mentorship programs please take a moment to complete the feedback form https://forms.gle/AL8sA32o4vj5s1vr7

We will open applications for the spring mentorship program in January. If you want to be part of the next cohort or know someone who would benefit, keep an eye on your inbox.

AI Workshop Facilitators Needed

I know this is short notice but on Monday several of us are supporting the AI Workshop (https://aisummit.utah.gov/pre-summit-workshop/) ahead of the AI Conference, by being table facilitators, Stuart at SeedAI is looking for some more volunteers, it will be from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday Dec 1st. This is a great opportunity to guide conversations, connect with other leaders, and contribute to an important discussion shaping Utah Tech. Facilitators will receive a complimentary ticket to Tuesday’s AI Conference (https://aisummit.utah.gov/) .

If you are interested please reach out to Stuart ASAP stuart@seedai.org

Thank You

Thank you for being part of Women in Leadership. Your presence and participation make this community what it is. We appreciate you and look forward to everything we will build together.

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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