Community leaders and advocates have always played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Utah's civic engagement. The recent 2025 Utah Conference on Community Engagement, held at USU Eastern from May 12 to 14, served as a testament to this fact. Organized by the Transforming Communities Institute (TCI), the event showcased a variety of discussions and presentations aimed at tackling social, environmental, and economic challenges within the state.
The conference, according to USU Today, was a platform where over 178 attendees, ranging from higher education faculty and students to community partners from non-profits and government agencies, came together to exchange ideas and strategies under a diverse array of topics catering to almost every aspect of community engagement. Notably, it featured over 60 presentations with issues including youth empowerment and food security, captivated by the attendees' dedication and interest.
Reflecting on the event, Erin Jensen, chair of the steering committee, declared her amazement at the breadth of topics covered. "I was amazed by the range of topics spotlighted at the conference," Jensen said, as per USU Today. "From the physical sciences to the social sciences and everything in between, attendees were able to see how the principles of community engagement can be applied across a wide variety of sectors and professions."
The event also took the opportunity to honor local figures who've made significant strides in empowering their communities. Paula Vigil, a resident of Price, was recognized with the Local Change Maker of the Year award for her advocacy, which led to "Ashley’s Law." This important legislation, named after her late daughter, set mandatory minimum sentences for sexual crimes against disabled adults. "I was so honored to be surrounded by people with so much heart," said Vigil, as obtained by USU Today. She noted the inspiring atmosphere at the conference, filled with kindness and hard work, offering a reminder that "the world is mostly good."
Similarly, the Community Advocate of the Year award was bestowed upon Kimberly Schmit, whose contribution to community partnership and advocacy as director of Community Praxis at University Neighborhood Partners has been immense. Schmit developed a curriculum focusing on building equitable partnerships grounded in community priorities. In her words, "Community advocacy is about people, relationships, and the determination to build a more equitable future," which she shared with USU Today.
_5348.jpg){kind=link}