Utah women’s median annual earnings for full-time, year-round work are lower than women nationwide, while men’s are higher than in the U.S. overall—resulting in a larger gender wage gap in Utah of 69.0 cents on the dollar (ranking Utah 47th nationally) according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research Briefing Paper.
This statistic highlights one of the persistent challenges Utah women face and the opportunity for leadership development. Young women (ages 18-35) are invited to grow in their professional and personal lives at the YWCA Young Women’s Leadership Summit Friday, March 11 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wells Fargo Center, 299 South Main, 14th Floor in Salt Lake City.
Following the Summit’s theme “Pursue Your Goals. Use Your Voice. Change the World.” Utah women from entrepreneurs to educators will address attendees during interactive sessions designed to enhance leadership skills. Karen Gunn, the winner of the 2015 Athena International Award from the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, is the keynote speaker. The event also features panels and table discussions with Beth Strathman, Christina Lau Billings, Jessica Jones, Isabel Rojas, Emma Houston, and Stephanie Stettler. Schedule sessions include : “Negotiate the Wage You Deserve: Addressing the Pay Gap” as well as “Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence.”
“March is Women’s History Month and the YWCA has a full week of fun and mission-based activities planned during our annualMembers Week, March 7-12. The Young Women’s Leadership Summit is a cornerstone event of this celebration,” said Amberlie Phillips, YWCA Utah Chief Development Officer. “The Summit is an inspirational event that encourages and young women in our community to take their goals from dream to reality.”
The event concludes with a reception cocktail hour from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Zest in downtown Salt Lake City. Tickets for the summit are $35 for general admission, $15 for students and free for YWCA members. To find out more about the Young Women’s Leadership Summit and to register, please visitwww.ywca.com.
