Celebrating Utah’s Women | Part 1
Happy March, and Happy National Women’s History Month! As a business with many successful, talented and motivated women, Mountain West Cider will be celebrating the power of Utah’s women leaders throughout the month. We will feature successful Utah women who have risen up, and have made a real difference in their fields and in their communities.
Amy Wadsworth — Founder and Principal of Salt Lake Arts Academy
As native Utahn, Amy Wadsworth grew up in a family full of educators. It became pretty clear early on, that Amy would follow a path that would lead her to become a talented, passionate and successful educator herself. After spending a few of her teenage years in the Philippines, Wadsworth moved back to Utah and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English and French. Education then became her passion, as Wadsworth taught in schools throughout Salt Lake City — including Clayton Middle School and Highland High School.
During her years as a teacher, Amy started to realize that she wanted more. And, that she could better contribute towards education in Utah. After going back to the University of Utah for a master’s degree, Wadsworth started on her path to become a boundless and energetic leader in the Salt Lake City school system. First as an assistant principal, then as a principal, and finally as the founder and principal of Salt Lake Arts Academy.
Knowing that Salt Lake had a specific need for the city’s middle school-aged youth, Wadsworth used the charter school movement to create a unique art-focused school serving grades 5-8. Now in its 15th year, Salt Lake Arts Academy gives students a chance to be immersed in their city’s culture and resources, while still providing well-rounded curriculum that sets them up for successful movement to high school and beyond.
Amy Wadsworth is truly an innovative and creative thinker, and Mountain West Cider is proud to support her work and leadership in Utah!
See more about Salt Lake Arts Academy …
Ruth Watkins — 16th President, University of Utah
On January 18th, 2018 the University of Utah’s Board of Regents unanimously voted Dr. Ruth Watkins to become the first female president of the University of Utah.
Sylvia Torti, dean of the U. Honors College, said Watkins has an incredible ability to remember people, their names, what they are interested in, and what makes them tick. Dr. Watkins is an excellent communicator, and Torti couldn’t be happier that she was chosen to lead Utah’s flagship campus.
“It’s always nice when we break a barrier because then we can stop talking about it being a barrier,” Torti said. “On a national level, having a female president will go against what many people’s preconceived notions are of the State of Utah.”
Watkins will assume position of University of Utah President, in early April 2018.
*Note: Due to her extra busy schedule, the Mountain West team was unable to meet with Dr. Watkins. However, we know she’s doing amazing things and couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store for the first woman president of the University of Utah!*
Join Us
Join us for our celebration of these wonderful women, and toast to National Women’s History Month! Feel free to bring the special women you want to celebrate, and of course the men who support them are also welcome.