Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Deaver
Hi Julia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in North Carolina, growing up in an LDS family of 10. From a young age, I faced significant challenges, including the traumas of poverty, abuse and the hurdles of dyslexia. These experiences fueled a relentless fire within me to overcome great odds with a drive for greatness. My faith instilled a deep commitment to making the world better for those around me, pushing me to continually challenge myself.
I started my career driven by a profound desire to bring people together in a transformative way. In my earliest events, I observed a remarkable shift in others: guests left not just satisfied, but uplifted, changed even- with smiles and laughter echoing long after the event ended. Seeing firsthand how a single moment could create such joy and connection made me realize the powerful impact I could have. It wasn’t just about organizing events; it was about changing lives, even if just for a moment. The profound sense of fulfillment and the exhilarating rush I felt when witnessing this transformation were addictive, igniting a deep passion within me to create meaningful experiences with enduring influence.
As my career advanced and I gained more experience, I was struck by a disheartening reality: the stark disparity in how women were treated and respected in the workplace. In a state like Utah, ranked 50th in the nation for women’s equality, it became increasingly apparent that women were being systematically sidelined. Despite their vast experience and invaluable wisdom, their significant contributions often went unrecognized while their male counterparts received accolades and promotions.
This inequity was not just a professional observation but a personal awakening. As a woman in my 40s suddenly undergoing profound life shifts, I felt a deep and growing frustration witnessing this unjust pattern. I saw women like myself, who’d dedicated years to their community, family and careers, being overlooked and undervalued. This disparity deeply unsettled me and sparked a fierce resolve to alter the narrative. I became committed to advocating for these remarkable women, striving to ensure they received the recognition and respect they deserved, and working to create a more equitable and inclusive environment where all women felt their contributions were truly valued.
Driven by this insight, I co-founded 40 Over 40 with my friend, Robyn Cohen. We designed an organization dedicated to shining a spotlight on women who’ve made substantial achievements later in life. Our mission was clear: to empower women by providing a platform where their stories could be told, their successes celebrated, and their influence expanded. As the CEO of 40 Over 40, I am deeply committed to our mission. I’m constantly inspired by the stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership that are uncovered, and I’m proud to lead an organization that plays such a pivotal role in rewriting the narrative for women in Utah.
Building 40 Over 40 from the ground up was a significant challenge, but one I eagerly embraced. It required a profound understanding of our mission, a clear strategic vision, and the ability to execute complex events that met my high standards. Over the past three years, my experience has been instrumental in navigating this journey and in building a prestigious brand that has become both a mission and a movement within our community. This award demands excellence in all that we do, and we strive to uphold that standard in every aspect of our work.
I’m proud to see our organization evolve with 120 winners to date. We have garnered attention from major media outlets such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, and have been featured in top-tier magazines. The exposure has not only elevated our brand identity, but also provided our winners with the recognition they truly deserve.
One of my greatest sources of pride is witnessing the women I serve flourish in every aspect of their lives. By offering them recognition they may not have previously received, we help them see themselves in a new light—one filled with opportunities to connect with influential networks, access valuable resources, and share their stories. We empower our winners to grow both professionally and personally. My goal is to support each woman we honor in thriving and making a meaningful impact that extends beyond their careers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building 40 Over 40 has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. One of our major hurdles was shifting perceptions around age and achievement. In a society that often prioritizes youth, demonstrating the vital contributions of women over 40 required persistent effort. We needed to distinguish 40 Over 40 from other awards programs in Utah and showcase our value by curating exceptional honorees and forging top-tier partnerships and programs. Gaining attention and building relationships demanded time and unwavering persistence, as is true with all great achievements.
Financial stability has been a concern at every stage of our growth. Securing funding and sponsorships requires creativity and resilience, but these challenges taught us to innovate and build a sustainable model that supports our mission. The community has rallied time and again to support what we do and the women we serve, proving indispensable to our success. It has been phenomenal to witness organizations step up and provide for our winners, allowing them to shine.
As CEO, the challenges I face in building 40 Over 40 have only strengthened my commitment to core business principles that guide our work. Our dedication to honesty and integrity ensures transparency and ethical practices in all interactions. We strive for excellence in every aspect of our organization, consistently seeking the highest standards. Innovation drives us to embrace creative solutions and overcome obstacles, while our focus on sustainability helps us build a model that supports long-term success. The unwavering support of our community has been vital, and we deeply value the way organizations step up to help celebrate the women we honor. Our commitment to empowerment provides opportunities for women to grow both personally and professionally. We remain devoted to diversity and inclusion, celebrating a wide range of voices and experiences. Above all, we are dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women over 40, ensuring that their work is acknowledged and valued.
As you know, we’re big fans of 40 Over 40. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What distinguishes 40 Over 40 is our relentless pursuit to redefine success for women. We don’t just commemorate past accomplishments; we drive forward with a vision of continuous growth and transformation. Through our prestigious award, we offer unmatched recognition for professional advancement, networking, and personal development, bringing together leaders and trailblazers to foster impactful relationships and lasting collaborations.
We are dedicated to spotlighting women over 40, who are frequently overlooked, providing them with the validation and accolades they truly deserve. Our approach is not just about honoring achievements but about creating a global movement that inspires and supports women in all stages of life.
After three years of dedication to nurturing this brand, I am proud to say that 40 Over 40 is more than an awards program—it’s a transformative force. Our national expansion plans show our commitment to impacting and equipping women nationwide- with the recognition, resources, and community they need to make a profound difference for all women.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my most cherished childhood memories is growing up amid the lush landscapes of the South, on our family’s acre of land where days were filled with outdoor adventures—riding bikes and playing until the sun set. My father, an entrepreneur, spent his days working and his nights building our family home with his own hands. Watching him transform his ideas into reality with relentless hard work and determination taught me that anything was possible. His unwavering belief in his vision didn’t just inspire me; it laid the foundation for my own journey. Today, as I build my life, nurture my children’s dreams, and grow 40 Over 40, I carry forward the lessons I learned from him—confidence in my dreams, the courage to turn them into reality, and the deep conviction that through dedication and purpose, we can create limitless possibilities not just for ourselves, but for others as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.utah40over40.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/40womenover40/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089343643768
