About Us

When Ali Johnson became the development officer of institutional development at UVU, she noticed that women’s contribution to UVU were low. She realized that many women have much to share & enjoy being involved, but sometimes just don't know how. She came up with the idea of “Start Something Beautiful” so women  have the opportunity to get together and enhance the UVU community.

“I saw the real need to get women more involved,” said Johnson. “This is really a way for women of success to share in one way or another. It engages inspired women to share their time, talent, treasures, friendship and  their success. Here is the catch....UVU is different and better because of women's contributions.  It's not simply because they are women....it is because they possess and project feminine values in our families & communities.  Feminine values come from a place of goodness."

In this organization, women contribute to UVU by initiating what they think is “something beautiful." For example, one woman chose to start something beautiful in the dance department. By using her business expertise to teach dance students how to make the transition from student to business owner, starting their own dance company. Another woman wanted to start something beautiful in the family study room at the library. She used her time and resources to buy hundreds of children’s books for this room, and yet another woman saw the need to contribute a scholarship." We have so many women in the state of Utah that have much to share. Make a splash" Ali says "and have our lives provide inspiration and hope to others. And don't forget to wear your red lipstick, while your doing just that."

For women to get inspired and learn how to “Start Something Beautiful,” 2 events yearly will be held. The first for them to get together to share ideas and be inspired by other contagious successful women while listening to Natalie Gochnour- Chief Operating Officer of the SLC Chamber of Commerce Speak on Sept. 25. They also are planning on a large fund raising event for UVU. Johnson hopes that this organization, in partnership with UVU, will lead other Universities to provide involvement opportunities for women as well." It might be the first of it's kind.  We are anxious to find out."

Johnson was also inspired to start “Start Something Beautiful” by her late husband Greg, who she said when they first were married 30 years ago, he gave her “golden wings” and told her to “go fly and be her best.” She wants to share this message with other women and give them the opportunity to share their “wings” with UVU students or even find their own wings.

She is looking for you to join her in a collective aim to build a better community.