DENISE BEAUDOIN BREMS
President 1989-1992
By Ali Bagley Hollingshuaus
Denise Brems, born March 19th 1953 in Moline IL, grew up in Utah with a love of nature and politics. She recalled canvasing her neighborhood for JFK at the bright age of seven, which showcased her early intelligence and passion for community-oriented work. Her wonderful family upbringing offered support for whatever path she chose; whether it came to religion, vocation, or education her parents insisted the choice was hers—the same went for her brother and sister. Naturally, Denise grew to be a perfect fit for president of the Women’s Democratic Club.
Denise’s parents served as positive role models. Having met at divinity school, the pair remained religious but not overbearing. Her father was as an American Baptist minister while her mother initially stayed home to care for the children until she eventually found a fulfilling career in special education. Her father also worked as a Protestant Chaplain at the VA hospital, often working with many outreach programs for the homeless and unifying legislation with various religious groups in Utah. The care her parents showed toward community shaped Denise’s goals and future, guiding her toward work involved with civil service, environmental protections and women’s rights.
Denise attended West High School, a time filled with fond memories. She boasted an impressive 3.8 GPA, as well as several happy memories of her time in the choir and the friends she made. She had always felt a pull forward some form of public service and would pursue this into her college years. Today, Denise sits on the West High Alumni Board as the Vice President and is in charge of merchandise, something she enjoys as a ‘full circle’ type of moment. She met her high school sweet heart of sorts, Art, during her West High years and would later reconnect with him as adults thanks to some clever planning by their friends, and the rest was history. They enjoyed wonderful years together, nourishing and growing their family as well as their shared love for nature and community care; whether they were bringing joy to less fortunate children during the holiday season—with Art as Santa—fly fishing, or driving to Idaho Falls on a whim, their marriage was filled with love and adventure.
Denise graduated from the University of Utah in 1978, where she initially started out in business, but quickly grew fed up with the misogynistic environment it harbored. Naturally, she found her footing in political science during her work on Wayne Owens’s senate campaign. Denise also worked on Ted Wilson’s campaign, as well as Scott Matheson’s. The latter would provide Denise with her first state government job. Her time with the Democratic Party, especially the development and movement of the ERA, are what ultimately set Denise’s career path toward her tenure as President of the Women’s Democratic Club.
Denise saw a gap for women in her demographic in Utah’s WDC, at the time in her late 20’s. She took matters into her own hands and offered fresh insight and dedication. She served as President of the WDC from 1989-1992, a solid three years of impressive work. Her previous oversight at the Utah Energy Office (starting in 1980), prepped her for great leadership and coordination talents for the WDC. Denise fondly recalled lighthearted jokes she and her coworkers made in their early days at the WDC about older ‘blue haired’ WDC members, only to find herself as a proud ‘blue haired old lady herself in no time at all’. Denise was also proud of the labor done in the WDC to continue its championship of women’s rights, inclusivity, and making the change to include all gender members rather than limit the club’s resources to strictly women. Denise is also proud of the WDC’s initiative to bring in new members as well as the youth, as young people are vital in maintaining and growing community care.
As mentioned earlier, Denise currently serves on the West High Alumni Board. She also is the current President of the Utah Energy Conservation Coalition and works with builders to ensure that homes are meeting their required energy codes for the most efficient, eco-friendly measures. She enjoys the balance of semi-retirement with these two positions, as they keep her busy enough to maintain her passion for public service thriving. Denise also delights in spending as much time with her children and grandchildren as possible, whether that’s celebrating their favorite festive seasons, enjoying a cozy getaway at their family cabin in the mountains, or relishing in sharing their impressive athletic and career accomplishments. Denise hopes to be remembered by her honesty, friendliness, happiness, advocation for women of all ages, and her love of dogs.