The focus will be the role of women in contemporary Utah politics and will consider how, working with the nonpartisan initiative Real Women Run, they seek to empower women to participate fully in public life and civic leadership. It will include how the women often collaborated to advance their public policy priorities in the Utah State Legislature during their ten-year tenure, despite being members of different political parties.

Rebecca Chavez-Houck represented Salt Lake City’s District 24 in the Utah House of Representatives (2008–18), focusing primarily on public policy related to health and human services, as well as voter engagement and access. Chavez-Houck served as House Minority Whip (2014–16) and House Minority Assistant Whip (2012–14). She received a BA in journalism and mass communication and an MPA from the University of Utah.

Becky Edwards was the ranking female Republican member of the Utah State Legislature at the time of her retirement, having served as a State Representative from Davis County (2009–18), serving as chair of the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee and chair of the Clean Air Caucus (2013–18). Edwards received a BS, an MS, and an MSW from BYU.