Champions
The following individuals champion A Bolder Way Forward. As high impact leaders in the state, they are dedicated to serving the community and are committed to strengthening the impact of girls and women in Utah. They share the vision that through networked leadership and influence, we can create positive change across the state. They make a difference by building awareness and leveraging their relationships, experience, and expertise to move the needle.
Scott Anderson
President & CEO, Zions Bank
LinkedIn Profile
Scott Anderson is an accomplished business executive who is actively engaged in community affairs and serves on several local and national business and nonprofit boards.
Nubia Peña
Senior Advisor, Governor Cox
LinkedIn Profile
Nubia Peña is the Senior Advisor on Equity and Opportunity for Governor Spencer J. Cox and Director of the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs. She is a community organizer, advocate, and ally.
Kristin Andrus
Community Champion
LinkedIn Profile
Kristin Andrus is a board member for nonprofit organizations who advocates for women, children, and refugees through social media platforms to build awareness and increase impact.
Jonathan Johnson
CEO, Overstock
LinkedIn Profile
Jonathan Johnson is an innovative and experienced business leader with a dedication to improving the community by participating on multiple boards and leadership councils.
Ann Millner
Senator, State of Utah
Website
F. Ann Millner is the state senator for District 5 and a member of Senate leadership as the Majority Whip. She is dedicated to strengthening Utah’s education systems, workforce preparation, and community-centric partnerships, enhancing the lives of students and workers.
Sydnee Dickson
State Superintendent, USBE
LinkedIn Profile
Sydnee Dickson is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Utah State Board of Education. She is dedicated to ensuring each student is future ready, and engages with community partners to provide leadership and learning opportunities.
Dave Woolstenhulme
Commissioner, USHE
LinkedIn Profile
Dave Woolstenhulme is the Utah Commissioner for the Utah System of Higher Education and is dedicated to improving education and opportunities for girls, boys, women, and men throughout the state.
Sui Lang L. Panoke
SVP of DEI, Zions Bank
LinkedIn Profile
Sui Lang L. Panoke is the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Zions Bank. She is a visionary leader, social entrepreneur, and international trainer with a passion for empowering today’s leaders.
Paul Clayson
CEO & Board Member, AgilePQ
LinkedIn Profile
Paul Clayson is a seasoned business leader, senior political advisor, and board and advisory member who works and serves to improve the lives of others. He has been the CEO of several different technology companies.
Byron Russell
Founding Principal Partner
LinkedIn Profile
Byron Russell founded Byron Russell LLC based on his years of experience in academics, politics, journalism, fundraising, finance, economic development, higher education, public relations, philanthropy, and enterprise. He serves on many Utah boards and commissions.
Miles Hansen
President & CEO, WTC Utah
LinkedIn Profile
Miles Hansen is the President & CEO of the World Trade Center Utah. He is an international business leader with expertise in geopolitical and national security arenas, and also invests in Utah’s people, culture, and community.
Sharlene Wells
Senior Vice President, MACU
LinkedIn Profile
Sharlene Wells is the Senior Vice President of Public Relations & Organizational Communications at Mountain America Credit Union. She is an expert who uses life experiences and connections to move Utah forward.
Pat Jones
CEO, WLI
LinkedIn Profile
Pat Jones is the CEO of the Women's Leadership Institute. She is an experienced and highly regarded researcher, former member of the Utah Legislature, and active community member.
Tom Ross
Executive Director, CCJJ
Website
Tom Ross is the Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Criminal & Juvenile Justice. After 34 years in law enforcement, he continues to focus on issues of substance use, mental health, and criminal justice.
Reyna I. Aburto
Community Champion
Website
Reyna I. Aburto is the former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Nicaragua, she is a linguist, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author; and serves on regional and worldwide non-profit boards.
Clint Betts
CEO & President, Silicon Slopes
LinkedIn Profile
Clint Betts is the CEO & President of Silicon Slopes and the Co-Founder of CEO.com. He is the publisher of the Silicon Slopes Magazine and founded a children’s book drive to help eradicate childhood illiteracy. He empowers Utah’s tech community to learn, connect, and serve.
Nikki Walker
Director of DEI, Domo
LinkedIn Profile
Nikki Walker is a DE&I specialist who focuses on equity and belonging in corporate organizations and across communities. Her passion for the work has been recognized across the state of Utah and around the country.
Emily Bell McCormick
Founder, The Policy Project
LinkedIn Profile
Emily Bell McCormick is the creator of the Utah Period Project, editor of the “Smarter” series at Utah’s NBC affiliate, KSL Studio 5, and skilled in public affairs, advocacy, and public policy.