IMPACT AWARD

Improving Maternal and Perinatal Access through Collaboration and Teamwork

The IMPACT Award, presented annually by the Utah Midwives Organization, recognizes one outstanding individual or team dedicated to improving maternal and perinatal access through collaboration and teamwork. This award honors those whose efforts have significantly enhanced care quality, accessibility, and support for mothers and newborns in Utah, exemplifying the values of partnership and shared commitment within the maternal health community.

2025 Recipient

  • It is a true honor to recognize an extraordinary woman whose life’s work has profoundly shaped the field of midwifery—Dianne Bjarnson.

    Originally from Moscow, Idaho, Dianne has devoted more than 30 years to serving families as a midwife, guiding over 1,400 births with skill, wisdom, and compassion. In 1980, she founded what would become the Midwives College of Utah, originally known as the Utah School of Midwifery. Under her leadership as president for its first 20 years, the college became Utah’s first accredited midwifery program—and today stands as one of the largest and longest-standing direct-entry midwifery colleges in the nation. Dianne continues to serve as a faculty member and board member, mentoring the next generation of midwives with the same dedication that defined her career.

    Dianne’s commitment to natural health has always been at the heart of her work. Before becoming a midwife, she studied herbology, a foundation that inspired her lifelong integration of nutrition, herbal medicine, and natural healing into maternal care. As a Master Herbalist, she has developed numerous herbal formulas to support women through pregnancy, birth, and recovery—many of which are now available through Sunstone Formulas, where she serves as CEO and Director of Research and Development.

    Her influence extends far beyond her own practice. Dianne has been a faculty member at The School of Natural Healing, The College of Herbs and Natural Healing in Great Britain, and the University of Natural Medicine in Santa Fe, helping educate thousands of midwives and holistic practitioners around the world. Her impressive range of education includes training in hypnotherapy, NLP, iridology, reflexology, magnetic therapy, EMT training, educational psychology, and family therapy, reflecting her deep curiosity and commitment to understanding the whole person.

    Through decades of service, scholarship, and innovation, Dianne Bjarnson has elevated the art and science of midwifery and empowered countless women and families to embrace natural, informed, and compassionate birth.


2024 Recipient

  • The recipient of this award has not only exemplified the highest standards of midwifery care, but has also worked tirelessly to improve the field as a whole.

    From advocating for midwifery rights at the state level, and for the rights of birthing people, to promoting education and improving transfer rates and outcomes and supporting the next generation of midwives, Suzanne Smith has been a true champion for the midwifery profession.

    Suzanne stands as an inspiration to us, not just for her technical skill or knowledge — although those, too, are exemplary — but her deep commitment to creating an environment of trust, safety, and respect for those she serves with.

    Through her leadership and advocacy, Suzanne has made significant strides in advancing the role of midwifery in both clinical practice and policy. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that midwifery care remains accessible, equitable, has a spot at the table, and informed by the latest research, all while upholding the values of compassionate patient-centered care.

    But what truly sets Suzanne apart is her ability to inspire others. Whether mentoring students, supporting colleagues, or working with community organizations, she has helped build a network of midwives and healthcare professionals who are all united in their commitment to providing the best care for families in need.

    Suzanne was the first midwife to open a birth suite in Utah, and owned and operated 5 birth centers during her midwifery career. She was instrumental in creating the legislation for the

    direct entry midwifery act, allowing licensure for midwives in Utah today. She also worked on bringing birth center licensure in Utah.

    Today, we honor Suzanne, whose passion and service to the midwifery community have made a lasting impact, not only in her immediate circle, but on the profession as a whole. It is because of people like her that the future of midwifery care remains bright, compassionate, and strong.

Suzanne Smith and UMO President Bryanna