50+ Thriving Impact Team
The World Health Organization defines ageism as referring to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. Ageism affects everyone, particularly women. Utah is ranked as the youngest state in the nation with nearly 30% of our population under the age of 18. However, our population is aging and the discrimination off the basis of age can have detrimental effects on women’s economic outlook, health outcomes and mental health. Ageism intersects and exacerbates other forms of disadvantage including those related to sex, race and disability. This Impact Team is tasked with working with the leaders from each spoke to ensure that age is considered in all aspects of A Bolder Way Forward.
Leaders
Meghan Gauger
Community Advocate
LinkedIn Profile
Meghan has an extensive background in professional stage management, non-profit fundraising, and academic administration. She holds an MBA with an emphasis in non-profit management and a BA in Russian language and literature.
KoShell Miller
Business Unit Coordinator, AARP
LinkedIn Profile
KoShell Miller is a business professional specializing in Finance. She works for AARP with a strong desire for collaboration between multiple organizations that support similar missions. She holds a BS in business management from Utah State University. 
Kathie Debenham
Community Advocate
LinkedIn Profile
Kathie Debenham is Professor Emeritus at Utah Valley University where she created the Dance Department and major and served as founding Dean of the School of the Arts and Associate Academic Vice President. In her flexible time she volunteers for the Tracy Aviary.
Bold Vision
The 50+ Thriving Impact Team envisions a Utah where women 50 and older have the resources and support they need to thrive. We will bring awareness to the barriers that prevent women 50 and older from experiencing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, financial, and intellectual self-fulfillment and self-sufficiency, and we will advocate for programs and opportunities that provide various supports, ensure equality, perpetuate feelings of belonging, and empower women 50 and older to experience health, safety, community, and overall wellbeing.
Thriving Statement: Women in Utah 50 and older thrive when they are free to fully contribute and express every aspect of themselves and have the necessary resources and support to live in equality, health, safety, community and well-being with physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, financial, and intellectual self-fulfillment and self-sufficiency.
Partners
