On September 19, 2026, Dr. Schola Matovu was invited to serve as the Keynote Speaker at the Children’s Service Society of Utah’s Annual Gala and Silent Auction. Addressing an audience of legislators, policymakers, physicians, funders, journalists, and community leaders, she highlighted the urgent need to strengthen support systems for kinship families—particularly grandparents, most often grandmothers—who step forward to raise their grandchildren when parents are unable to do so.
“It was a profound honor to speak about the invisible yet extraordinary work of grandparents—most often grandmothers—who step forward to raise their grandchildren. As a nurse scientist, I see firsthand how grandmothers hold families together in times of crisis. Bringing this conversation to policymakers and community leaders and partners is critical to advancing research, policy, and meaningful support for kinship families.”~ Dr. Schola Matovu