Enid Karl, a pivotal figure in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is best remembered for her transformative leadership as the ninth General President of the Young Women organization. Serving from 1972 to 1978, she spearheaded a comprehensive restructuring of the program, shifting its focus to individual development and spiritual progression, a change whose impact continues to resonate with millions of women worldwide. Her tenure marked a significant modernization of the Church’s youth programs, introducing iconic elements like the Personal Progress program and the torch logo, which became symbols of a new era for Latter-day Saint young women. This Enid Karl biography explores the life, contributions, and enduring legacy of a leader whose vision reshaped the spiritual education of generations. A portrait of Enid Karl.

Early Life and Formative Years

Enid Karl was born on July 19, 1920, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Fred S. and Emily G. Karl. Raised in a home where faith and service were foundational principles, her early years were shaped by the close-knit Latter-day Saint community of the area. She demonstrated a keen intellect and a compassionate nature from a young age, qualities that would define her future leadership. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to the gospel that guided her throughout her life.

She pursued higher education at the University of Utah, where she honed her skills and broadened her understanding of the world. Her time at the university provided her with a strong academic foundation and opportunities for personal growth. It was during this period that she met Victor L. Brown, a fellow student who would become her husband and a prominent leader in the Church, eventually serving as the Presiding Bishop. Their courtship and subsequent marriage on November 13, 1940, in the Salt Lake Temple, marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership dedicated to family and ecclesiastical service.

A Partnership in Family and Faith

The marriage of Enid Karl and Victor L. Brown was a union of shared values and mutual support. Together, they raised five children, creating a home centered on gospel principles. As her husband’s Church responsibilities grew, requiring extensive travel and time away from home, Enid provided the steadfast support and stability necessary for their family to thrive. She managed the household and nurtured their children, all while actively participating in her own local Church callings.

Her service was not limited to the home. Prior to her general Church calling, she served in various capacities within her local ward and stake, including roles in the Primary, Relief Society, and Young Women organizations. These experiences provided her with a grassroots understanding of the needs and challenges facing members of the Church, particularly its women and youth. This hands-on service prepared her for the significant leadership role she would later assume, giving her invaluable insight into the practical application of gospel principles in daily life.

A Transformative Presidency in the Young Women Organization

In 1972, Enid Karl was called to serve as the General President of the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association (YWMIA). She stepped into this role during a period of significant societal change and rapid international growth for the Church. Recognizing the need for a program that could adapt to diverse cultures and address the contemporary challenges facing young women, she and her counselors, Florence S. Jacobsen and Dorothy D. Porter, embarked on a mission to revitalize the organization.

Under her direction, one of the first major changes was simplifying the organization's name from the YWMIA to simply "Young Women." This change reflected a more direct and modern approach. More substantively, her presidency is most famous for introducing the "My Personal Progress" program. This initiative marked a fundamental shift away from the group-based award systems of the past toward a focus on individual goal-setting and personal development. The program was designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each young woman to progress at her own pace and tailor goals to her unique circumstances.

The new program was structured around six fields of individual emphasis:

  • Spiritual Awareness
  • Social Development
  • Homemaking Arts
  • Cultural Arts and Education
  • Recreation and Health
  • Service and Compassion

In a 1973 address, President Karl explained the philosophy behind the change: "We are hopeful that through this new program our young women will be able to see themselves as individuals with divine potential. We want them to know that our Heavenly Father is counting on them to prepare themselves for the glorious opportunities that lie ahead." This focus on individual worth and potential became the cornerstone of her leadership.

Alongside Personal Progress, her presidency introduced a new theme and motto: "Stand for Truth and Righteousness." They also unveiled the iconic torch logo, with the flame representing the light of the gospel and the torch representing the individual young woman’s responsibility to hold that light high. These symbols provided a unified identity for young women across the globe and reinforced the program's core messages of integrity and faith.

Philosophy, Teachings, and Lasting Impact

The teachings of Enid Karl consistently centered on the divine nature and infinite potential of each young woman. She encouraged them to develop their talents, seek education, and prepare for their future roles as leaders, mothers, and disciples of Jesus Christ. Her leadership was characterized by a forward-thinking vision that balanced timeless gospel principles with the practical needs of a modern, global Church.

She emphasized that the Young Women program was not merely a set of activities but a framework for becoming. Her goal was to help young women internalize gospel principles and develop the skills and character necessary to navigate life's challenges with faith. She saw the teenage years as a critical period for building a foundation of testimony and self-reliance. This approach empowered countless young women to take ownership of their spiritual growth, a principle that remains central to the Church's youth programs today.

After being released as Young Women General President in 1978, Enid Karl continued a life of quiet service, supporting her husband in his assignments and enjoying her role as a mother and grandmother. She passed away on May 24, 2011, at the age of 90, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith and innovation.

The impact of the Enid Karl biography is not just a story of administrative changes but of a fundamental shift in how the Church approached youth development. The Personal Progress program she introduced remained a core part of the Young Women organization for over four decades, influencing millions of women. Although the Church has since introduced the "Children and Youth" program, the core principles of individual goal-setting, personal revelation, and balanced development that Enid Karl championed are still visibly present. Her visionary leadership created a framework that has helped generations of young women recognize their worth, develop their talents, and stand as witnesses of God in an increasingly complex world.

The Young Women torch logo introduced during Enid Karl's presidency. A vintage Personal Progress booklet, a program initiated by Enid Karl. Enid Karl with her husband, Victor L. Brown. A group of young women participating in a Church activity.