Board backs women's leadership cohort, asks to prioritize underserved participants

Board members reviewed a proposal for the Women's Leadership Initiative on Oct. 27 and voted to support the program and its satellite cohort in Kane County.

A presenter described the program, run in partnership with a Salt Lake City organization, as a monthly cohort model that combines remote speakers with local breakout discussions. She said the cohort typically includes about 10 participants, that past cohorts graduated 19 women, and that the participant fee is $495 (with grant money used in prior years to reduce the out‑of‑pocket cost).

Members and attendees praised the program's confidence and leadership benefits. One board member asked whether the program should aim to recruit underserved participants; another suggested offering scholarships or seeking additional sponsorships so people who cannot pay $495 could participate. The presenter said she already was pursuing additional funding and had several participants lined up.

A motion to support and fund the women's leadership training was made, seconded and approved; the board discussed recusal concerns for one member with a conflict and confirmed alternative recruiting and scholarship efforts to broaden access. Members asked that priority be given to underserved participants when awarding any limited scholarship funds and that organizers return with specifics about how grant support will be administered.