Uniting for Change: A Reflection on Our 2024 YWCA Utah Legislative Recap
In a celebration of community resilience and advocacy, our 2024 Legislative Recap event brought together advocates, changemakers, and leaders to reflect on our progress, acknowledge challenges, and strengthen our resolve for the road ahead.
Hosted by Shireen Ghorbani, YWCA Utah Board Chair-elect, the event was filled with music, food, and meaningful conversations. We were thrilled to share the artistry and brilliance of the following BIPOC and women owned local small businesses: Proyecto Xilonen catered the event with exquisite Mesoamerican gastronomy and PicnicUp SLC (as seen on Real Housewives of Salt Lake) staged the event with beautiful details that set the ambience for the night. Local photographer, Robin Pendergrast and volunteer Araueni Olivares, captured the event. You can see the photo album here.
YWCA Utah CEO Liz Owens and Gabe Archuleta, VP of Race and Gender Equity and Director of Public Policy, presented Representative Jen Dailey-Provost the Public Official of the Year award. An honor given by the Public Policy Committee of YWCA Utah’s Board of Directors to an outstanding public official who has demonstrated commitment to advancing the well-being of Utahns and who champions racial and gender equity in the spirit of our mission and vision. Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost has demonstrated unwavering commitment and has been a long-time partner to the YWCA Utah in our efforts to advocate for the health safety, and well-being of Utah families and communities are who are marginalized. This past legislative session, Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost secured $500,000 in legislative funding to enhance the safety and security of YWCA Utah’s downtown Salt Lake City campus to ensure the survivors and the staff who serve them are kept safe. O.C. Tanner generously donated the beautifully designed crystal award.
We were honored for revered and powerful community leaders to join us for a panel discussion where they discussed topics including race and gender equity, domestic violence, and reaffirming our commitment to justice and equity.
Darlene McDonald, writer, author, community activist and congressional candidate, and Ermiya Fanaeian, a Trans liberation activist, educator, and community organizer, had a powerful discussion about the importance of collective action and engaging in policy advocacy to confront harmful policies and copy-and-paste bills. Two harmful bills that passed the Utah Legislature include HB 261, which dismantled DEI offices in K-12 and higher education, and HB 257, a bill that criminalizes the use of public restrooms and public facilities unless transgender individuals meet specific and onerous requirements. Darlene and Ermiya called for individual and collective action against attacks on QT/BIPOC communities, reproductive freedom, and bodily autonomy, and to continue to strive to make Utah a diverse and inclusive state.
Erin Jemison discussed significant advances in domestic violence policy advocacy, including funding to support domestic violence shelters response to a staggering increase in request for services, including a 386% in request for shelter at YWCA Utah, with the statewide lethality assessment now implement in all Utah law enforcement agencies. She also celebrated bills that passed that aim to keep survivors and their families safe, such as Om’s law, named after a Utah high school student who was killed by his father after a lengthy custody battle.
As we celebrate wins and mourn losses, we will continue to build connections that drive progress in our communities. a belief that no matter the challenges that lie ahead, we are stronger together. The Legislative Recap was a celebration of victories and it was also a call to action—a reminder that our work is far from over, and that real change requires sustained effort and unwavering dedication. Join us for future events and continue the journey towards a brighter tomorrow and follow our advocacy work here.
The Public Policy Team wants to extend the deepest gratitude for their contributions and hard work of the staff and volunteers who helped in all aspects of this event, from planning and organizing, to cleaning, set-up, and helping during the event. Click below for pictures from this year’s recap!