How I Got to Where I Am: How Religion, Race, and Gender Impacts Women of Color and Leadership in Utah

The purpose of this research was to answer, "How has gender ideology shaped women's leadership experiences in Salt Lake County where traditional, conservative, or religious values of women and gender roles exist? What can organizations in Salt Lake County do to implement a more diverse work culture in a predominately white homogeneous state." This research study was conducted through one-on-one interviews in hopes of discussing the barriers women of color face in leadership and in the workforce. The data from this research study illustrated the barriers women of color experience in Salt Lake County with participants navigating religious influences, early childhood messages on gender roles impacting them as adults and in their careers. The study also found participants journey through racial biases, stereotypes, and microaggressions in the workplace. The findings from this study hopes to encourage transparency on the issues women of color face in Utah and inspire dialogue from community members to discuss the underrepresentation of women of color in leadership and the changes needed to empower and encourage more women of color to take an active role in their communities and in their organizations.