As Provo's 45th and first female mayor, I am thrilled to extend an invitation to celebrate and empower the remarkable women in our community. It's an honor to stand at the forefront of Provo Women's Day—a beacon of inspiration and solidarity among women since its inception in 2015. This initiative was born out of a desire to elevate the presence and contributions of women, foster leadership opportunities, and cultivate a supportive network where women uplift one another.
With each passing year, our commitment to this cause deepens, as evidenced by the overwhelming response to our events, including this year's luncheon, which sold out in just two weeks. For those unable to secure a ticket, we're excited to offer a livestream of the luncheon on Provo City’s Facebook page, ensuring everyone can join in the celebration.
This year, we rally under the theme "I Am Enough," a powerful reminder to step away from the unyielding pressures of society and acknowledge our intrinsic worth. It's a call to recognize our strengths, accept our vulnerabilities, and appreciate that these aspects together forge our unique selves. We are sufficient in our efforts, resilient in our struggles, and extraordinary in our everyday lives. And together, we are not just enough; we are more than enough to inspire change, to foster understanding, and to build a community where every woman knows her worth.
The luncheon will feature an inspiring lineup of guest speakers: Madilyn Paige, a talented singer-songwriter known for her appearance on Season 6 of The Voice; Sarah Tyau, a visionary refashion designer and influencer with a following that exceeds a million; and McKensie Bauer, the innovative co-founder of Thread Wallets.
In honor of the 19th Amendment's centennial in 2020, we introduced the Trailblazer Award, celebrating women who have paved the way for future generations. This year, we are delighted to recognize Janice Kapp Perry for her 40-year contribution to gospel music as the recipient of the Trailblazer Award. She joins the esteemed ranks of past honorees, including Lillian Hayes, an unwavering environmentalist and water protector; Genelle Pugmire, a dedicated reporter covering Utah County for four decades; Kay Lindsay, a former juvenile court judge with over 20 years of service in the Fourth District; and Dr. Melissa Ann Kendall, the trailblazing first female pediatrician in Utah County.
And don't forget, we have a diverse array of events designed to inspire, educate, and entertain on Saturday, March 9th. I encourage everyone to explore the full schedule at provowomensday.com and register for the activities that resonate most. The celebration will culminate with our Barbie Bash—an evening of fun, music, and creativity. Don your best Barbie-inspired attire, enjoy live music, partake in light refreshments, and immerse yourself in the joy of community and celebration.