Registration is now open for the 2021 Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) and is free for all current U students. Faculty and staff are welcome to attend as well and are encouraged to make a donation to Student Leadership & Involvement to support this program for future students.

At the Women’s Leadership Summit, students, staff and faculty engage in learning and empowerment through intentional conversations to inspire an equitable present and future for all gender identities. Whether stopping by for just one WLS virtual event or the full day of events, students—from all gender identities—can build the schedule that works for them.

This year’s keynote address will touch on the theme of “Sharing Stories, Strengthening Leadership.” Delivered by artist, writer, photographer, guidebook author and Salt Lake City-based climber Nikki Smith as she tells her story of realization. A professional athlete and transgender woman—representing REI, Mountain Hardwear, Scarpa, Grivel to name a few—Smith has made more than 150 first ascents throughout the west and has traveled the world to climb.

Throughout her keynote address, Smith will share her outdoor and climbing photography from the past 20 years in climbing. She’ll also share insights into her journey as a climber, first ascensionist, guidebook author, writer and a woman—who happens to be transgender.

Much of Smith’s work is focused on trying to build a more inclusive, diverse and safe community within climbing and the outdoors. She’s an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and a Board Member for the Access Fund.

Trigger warning that this presentation will briefly mention depression, suicidal ideation, homophobia, transphobia and sexual harassment.

REGISTER FOR THE 2021 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

The first 100 students to register will receive a WLS remote engagement kit (while supplies last), including:

• A copy of the book, “The Notorious RBG, The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg”
• A notebook to utilize during the Women’s Leadership Summit
• A Women’s Leadership Summit shirt (from a vintage year)
• Treats and snacks to enjoy throughout the summit
• University of Utah throwback tote

Details for the remote engagement kit distribution and virtual summit login information will be sent upon registration.

2021 Women’s Leadership Summit agenda 

9-9:40 a.m. | Holistic Wellness, Yoga & Sound Bath
Live Webinar via Zoom

Start the day by tuning in for some light yoga and a sound bath with local holistic healer and yogi, Jessica Florez. What you’ll need to participate: Just yourself and a way to connect to the Zoom. Bring a yoga mat if you have one and wear comfortable clothes.

Florez, a graduate of the U, left her career of 10 years with the Federal Government to pursue her passion in Health and Wellness. For the past 15 years she has used these tools in her own healing after her dad passed away, a miscarriage and medical trauma to her digestive system and reproductive organs. She now helps thousands connect with mind, body and soul through outreach and community.

11–11:40 a.m. | Unlock your strategic leadership potential: Cultivate self-awareness as you craft and share your personal vision
Live via Zoom

Why is understanding your “authentic self” important in leadership? Join Ruchi Watson and Maya Jolley from the Goff Strategic Leadership Center to build awareness of your authentic self. Become a storyteller via the most common languages of the workplace and leave with actions you can take to assess whether you are telling your true, authentic story. This 40-minute workshop will be highly interactive with breakout rooms, activities and more. In order to participate in this session, you must tune in at the specified time.

12:30–1:30 p.m. | Keynote address by Nikki Smith
Live Webinar via Zoom 

Join photographer, writer, climber and activist, Nikki Smith as she tells her story of Realization. Nikki will share some of her outdoor and climbing photography from over 20 years in climbing and share insights into her journey as a climber, first ascensionist, guidebook author, writer and a woman—who happens to be transgender.

Trigger warning that this presentation will briefly mention depression, suicidal ideation, homophobia, transphobia and sexual harassment.

7 p.m. | “RBG” screening
Format: Pre-Recorded, recommended to join at the time specified but link will be valid until January 2022

Conclude the Women’s Leadership Summit by tuning in for an at-home movie screening of “RBG,” the documentary. Directed and produced by award-winning filmmakers Betsy West and Julie Cohen, “RBG” details the incredible life and legal legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court. Cozy up with the treats in the take-home kit and the link to view will be sent after you register for the summit.

Students can learn about more ways to engage with U campus leadership opportunities from the office of Student Leadership & Involvement.