Letter From the Chair

When there is a shift in leadership or a start to a new year, there are connotations and declarations of “New Beginnings.” New beginnings are lovely. They are filled with hopes, dreams, and renewed energy. Concerning my personal and professional life, I am not looking at the start of this school year as a "New Beginning." This year is not a restarting or a fresh start; it is the "Next Chapter" in my ongoing book of life. It is the opportunity to add to and build upon the story and experiences that I have already had. It is the opportunity to learn from past challenges, failures, and successes so that I can continue to better myself and improve as a person and practitioner.

This same sentiment is true regarding how I approach this academic year with the Utah Women in Higher Education (UWHEN) – University of Utah Chapter. As the incoming president, I don’t want a fresh start. I don’t want to re-imagine and re-create. Instead, I want to build on the beautiful work, creativity, and vision of my predecessors, the Outgoing Chair, Sara Cody, and former Chairs Stephanie Baugh and Stacey Slager. These strong women, their exemplary leadership, and how they chose to realize our UWHEN – University of Utah mission inform the path I wish to chart for this next chapter. It is an enormous responsibility, but I am excited to continue this legacy and story with my fellow board members and each of you. I hope you will all join us this year as we do the critical and meaningful work of promoting women’s career development and advancement, encouraging the leadership potential in all women at the U, and creating a community for women with all people at the U, in Utah, and beyond.

En Comunidad (in community),

Cassie Zamora-Cathcart

Chair

UWHEN – University of Utah Chapter