Provo resident Becca Jensen Ogden wants Provo to be known as a place that supports all women, no matter their life stage, marital or professional status. And she hopes that the annual Women’s Day events and Girls Summit will help build that foundation.
“Provo is such a wonderful city, with so much economic development on the horizon,” she said. “As we grow, we need to continue to build a community that truly supports women and girls. Our girls are smart, driven and passionate about so many things. We want to help them see what they can accomplish with the right tools.”
The city will host its third annual Women’s Day and second annual Girls Summit on March 8. Events for women (and everyone else) include breakfast with Mayor Michelle Kaufusi — the city’s first female mayor — a lecture series, hikes, bike ride, yoga, and an after party. The Girls Summit, which is sold out but has a waiting list, includes a keynote address and chances for girls to meet one-on-one with inspiring women.
Jensen Ogden got involved with the Girls Summit when a friend, Tanei Henry, had the idea for a girls event after attending the city’s first Women’s Day events. “We’ve had lots of conversations about how to support our kids in what they want to do. So when she told me her ideas for Provo Girls Summit, I jumped on board immediately.”
This year, Jensen Ogden is again involved in the Girls Summit. “We have so many incredible women on board this year: a doctor, a judge, an engineer, a geologist, an animator, an artist, and so many more,” she said. “Girls will really love getting to know these women and what they do for our communities.”
She also participated on a panel last year with three other women, where they talked about feminism. One of the highlights for her was when another panelist, Bethany Cherry, talked about how challenging feminism is for women of color.
“She read quotes from Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony that I had never heard before, quotes that revealed just how pervasive racism has been throughout history, even within feminist circles,” Jensen Ogden said. “That was certainly difficult to hear, but so important. If we claim to be champions for all women, we need to be aware of the ways in which women of color are specifically affected by our words and actions, and to include them in positions of leadership.”
She said her experience with Women’s Day and the Girls Summit has taught her that “women do so much more when they work together toward common goals. Events like Women’s Day and the Provo Girls Summit help bring us together to support each other, and I’m so grateful to be part of it all.”
For more information about this year’s Women’s Day or Girls Summit, or to RSVP and buy tickets, go to provowomensday.com. This year’s events include:
[pullquote]“As we grow, we need to continue to build a community that truly supports women and girls. Our girls are smart, driven and passionate about so many things. We want to help them see what they can accomplish with the right tools.” — Becca Jensen Ogden, Provo resident[/pullquote]
Breakfast
Provo City Council Chambers, 351 W. Center St.
- 9 a.m.: Discussion about women in politics
Lecture Series
Provo City Council Chambers, 351 W. Center St.
- 9:30 a.m.: Janalee Emmer: Women in Art
- 9:55 a.m.: Julie Valentine: Sexual Assault in Utah: Working together to end sexual violence
- 10:20 a.m.: Tamu Smith
- 10:45 a.m.: Roni Jo Draper: Creating a Welcoming Community for Our LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends
Big Springs Hollow Hike
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Big Springs Hollow, south fork of Provo Canyon
Parent/Child Open Studio Art Play
Neighborhood Art Center at Provo Towne Centre
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Yoga Class
The Yoga Underground, 936 E. 450 N.
12-1 p.m.
Mommy & Me Activities Class
Chrysalis Preschool, 409 N University Ave.
3-4 p.m.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Mini Tasting & Factory Tour Taste
3, 3:30, 4, 4:30 p.m.
Sunset Hike the Y
5:30-8 p.m.
Emergency Preparedness Strategies for Women and Families
Provo Recreation Center, 320 W 500 North
7-8 p.m.
Bike Picnic
Meet at 11:30 a.m. at Provo Bicycle Collective, 397 200 North
Bike ride, 11:45-12:15
Picnic at Joaquin Park, 378 N 400 East, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Bring your own blanket and picnic
Girls Summit
Provo Library Ballroom, 550 N University Ave.
6-8 p.m.
Tickets are sold out. Join the waiting list here.
After Party: Cirque Le Femme
Provo Recreation Center, 320 W 500 North
8-10:30 p.m.
$5
Buy tickets here.