Meet the 2022 30 Women to Watch
Year after year, Utah ranks as the worst state in the nation for women’s equality. It’s a statistic that, while disheartening, should motivate change—and this year’s 30 Women to Watch are doing just that. The following movers and shakers are starting, managing, growing, or otherwise furthering the work of their companies and making Utah’s future brighter by making it more female. Congratulations to the 2022 30 Women to Watch honorees!
Adrienne Bell
Partner | Holland & Hart
What do you most want to accomplish?
I am passionate about improving gender diversity in the legal profession, especially in leadership roles. I want to be a role model and mentor for younger women in the beginning stages of legal practice and show them that they can be successful even when they are the only woman in the room or at the table.
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
A former mentor once told me how she regretted waiting until later in her career to really use her voice. She advised me not to follow her example. So, my advice to other women in the Utah business landscape is the same—use your voice. Don’t wait. When you have an opportunity to lead, embrace it.
Amanda Barrett-Brough
Audit Partner and Practice Area Leader | Squire & Company
Who inspires you most? Why?
Squire’s CEO, Jonyce Bullock. She is such a great leader and has such an inspiring communication style that makes others know she cares deeply about them and our firm.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Begin networking immediately upon starting your career.
Amber Stargell
Deputy District Attorney | Salt Lake County District Attorney
What do you most want to accomplish?
First, I do want to be a judge. Second, at some point in my life, I want to start a charter school for underrepresented children. More specifically, I want this school to be a pipeline to law school, doctorate programs, and much more.
What book has made the biggest impact on you?
“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. This is the book that affirmed my decision to go to law school. In the book, Stevenson says, “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” That one moment in time does not define anyone. It’s so important that I approach every situation and every person with understanding and kindness and try my best to determine a reasonable solution.
Aubriana Martindale
Division Corporate Affairs Manager | The Kroger Co.
Who inspires you most? Why?
All of the women before me—Susan B. Anthony, RBG, my mom, my grandma, my mentor. All of the outstanding women who blazed a path for the future of the next female change-makers. These women stood up against social norms, shattered glass ceilings, and fought for opportunity, not just for themselves but for the benefit of all women. I am inspired by every single woman’s action, small or large, to help make a difference in the world.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the work I have been able to lead through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan. We were the first company to open a free-standing school pantry in the state of Utah at Garfield Elementary School, within the Granite School District. Smith’s now supports several school pantries to address child hunger. I am very proud to say my parents and I are both a product of the Granite School District, and I am honored to help future generations succeed and experience a brighter future.
Aurora Taylor-Rojas
VP, Engineering, and Technology | L3Harris Technologies
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
Develop your strengths, then augment those skills by building a diverse network and creating a force multiplier. That’s when the magic happens—when you embrace a team’s abilities to be stronger together. Don’t be afraid to lead that team into success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Find your voice and use that voice. Your perspective and your experience add value at every table. Your priorities and your dreams will change with time, so keep your mind open to your limitless potential.
Belia Paz
General Manager | Aerostar Media
Founder | Mujeres Unidas de Utah
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of everything I do—being a mom to three amazing kids and a grandma to one amazing little girl. I also am very proud that I am doing what I love, which is managing two powerful Hispanic radio stations here in Utah and helping thousands of families by providing resources over the airwaves. I am proud of being recognized on a national level as general manager for the Hispanic Radio of the Year by the Hispanic Radio Ink two times. I’m proud of the growth of my organization here in Utah, the Latina organization Mujeres Unidas de Utah, and the amazing board of directors I have.
What book has made the biggest impact on you?
“The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You” by Lydia Fenet.
Beth Johnson
Managing Director, Credit Card Operations | Goldman Sachs
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Recently, our Apple Card team was named #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Credit Card Issuers by JD Power. This is significant not only for the incredible accomplishment but also because we received the recognition in our first year of eligibility. I feel so proud of the collective team effort to help customers lead healthier financial lives. When we do the right thing for customers, they recognize our efforts, and we play a vital role in the way they are able to provide for themselves and their families.
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
We need you! We should not underestimate our abilities to make significant contributions, even if we don’t meet every qualification for new opportunities. Take a leap of faith in yourself and your abilities, and leverage the help of mentors around you to stretch yourself, learn new skills, and be an even more powerful force in Utah businesses!
Bianca Lyon
Director of Community and Partner Relations | Utah Office of Tourism
Who inspires you most? Why?
The amazing women within the tourism industry of Utah. From the local tourism directors to our public lands managers, community leaders, and the women within my office, I am surrounded by incredible female leadership.
What do you most want to accomplish?
When it comes down to it, I want to make a difference. I also want to show my kids that you can have a family and a career that is rewarding and fulfilling.
Bri Ray
Co-founder | Raising Me
What do you most want to accomplish?
I am creating a safe space for individuals to truly step into their power and identity by creating opportunities for education and connection. As co-founder of Raising Me, my primary focus is creating this space for parents and children united through transracial adoption as well as interracial and multicultural families.
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
There is room for you. The opportunities are out there. You are a creator by nature—create the life you want. Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door or let you in the room. Find the door and open it, or as my Mema would say, “Believe it and then claim it.”
Chrissey Hayes
VP, Talent Development | Avetta
Who inspires you most? Why?
The women of my family have a strength and steady resolve that is truly inspiring. At a time when women were home raising babies, my grandmother was the head of a finance department for a national telephone company. My mother managed to lead a project management organization and volunteered her time for a variety of nonprofits, and still somehow made it to every event, play, and school function. My sister is one of the smartest people I know—she digs up and rearticulates dinosaur bones all while sharing her passion for knowledge and learning with everyone she meets.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Not only surviving the pandemic but thriving. I knew raising tiny humans would be hard, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be raising tiny humans in a global pandemic hard. While I can’t say we didn’t come out completely unscathed, I can say that we are fortunate enough to have come out better on the other side. During the pandemic, I made the choice to homeschool my kids and acted as mom, curriculum designer, teacher, lunch lady, art and music instructor, all while still working full time. It was during this last year that I found strength I never knew I had. Amazingly, my kids made it through their 2nd and 6th grade years with flying colors, and I was able to secure the promotion I had been working toward.
Elena Vetter
Attorney | Parsons Behle & Latimer
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
Be yourself. Find your people. Stay connected. There’s nothing quite like the power of community.
What do you look forward to most at work every day?
Problem-solving, collaboration, and camaraderie. Having coworkers who teach, support, and celebrate me makes all the difference.
Elise Walker Brown
Corporate Counsel, Government Relations Manager | USANA Health Sciences
Who inspires you most? Why?
It’s hard to pick one person, but someone who has inspired me for many years is former Utah Supreme Court Justice Christine Durham. Her intelligence and accomplishments leave me in awe every time I think of her. To be the first woman on the Utah Supreme Court and fearlessly give her opinion even when she was alone in that opinion is something I greatly admire.
What book has made the biggest impact on you?
“How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith. This book helped me identify some self-defeating behaviors that I was able to examine and improve on.
Elizabeth Morgan
Principal Architect | FFKR Architects
What do you most want to accomplish?
The buildings I have had the privilege to be involved with will be around a lot longer than I will. At the end of the day, I want to have created environments that have positively impacted my clients and community.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Live with purpose. There is no need to rush. Don’t feel like you must make decisions before you are ready. I don’t think it is as much true today as it used to be, but I felt the expectation on me was to go find your path and settle into adulthood. I wish I would have relaxed and taken my time. Ultimately, I think I would have ended up in a similar place, but I think I missed out on some early opportunities to really understand who I am and what I really want in life.
Jami Furniss
Founder/CEO | Moxie Weighted Blankets and The Moxie Agency
Who inspires you most? Why?
All the ladies who were brave enough, bold enough, and crazy enough to fight for women’s rights. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’d like to think that on my best days, I’m as bold, brave, and crazy as them!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Earning my black belt in Goju Karate. It was an achievement that challenged me mentally, physically, and spiritually in ways that I could never have imagined. Knowing I can accomplish that has set me up to handle any challenge that comes my way.
Jane Guyer
Senior Director, Account Management | Bernhard
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of having been a part-owner of an energy efficiency engineering consulting firm. We provided professional, rewarding employment and delivered a valuable service to the community.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Don’t be afraid to quit your job and be a mountain bike guide,” which is what I did when I was 27. I guided for ten years and am certain my engineering career is better for it.
Jenney Rees
Executive Director, Utah Department of Government Operations | State of Utah
What do you most want to accomplish?
I want my children to look back at their “growing up” years and remember a mother who loved them fiercely and kept trying even when she got it wrong. I also want my daughters to see that there is no limit to what they can do.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Getting my MPA. I’m the only person in my family to graduate from college, and I never expected to go to grad school. It didn’t happen until I was 45, but I did it.
Jennifer Jaden
Founder | Gal Media Group
What do you most want to accomplish?
I want to grow Gal Media Group to be the top agency in the world and take even more brands to national and global markets.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Growing Gal Media Group over 550 percent, hiring an amazing team, and giving birth to my baby all in one year!
Jodi Horton
Co-founder | Women’s Epic Race
What do you most want to accomplish?
Professionally speaking, continued growth for Women’s Epic and progress toward giving more women across the nation the opportunity to get out on the trails and summit a mountain.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud that through Women’s Epic, we have been able to create an environment where women of all athletic abilities and levels feel empowered and challenged. I think women are ready to get back to deep, meaningful connections, and we’ve been fortunate enough to bring a community together that wants to do just that.
Juliette P. White
Shareholder and VP | Parsons Behle & Latimer
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My work on behalf of individuals with disabilities. It is the most humbling and inspiring work I have ever done. I’m most proud of the opportunities that I’ve helped create for individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves, to speak and really be heard, and to appear and truly be seen.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t let fear or insecurity control your decisions. Your biggest regrets will be those moments when you stayed silent. You will be most proud of the things you do even though you were scared and of what you accomplished once you overcame self-doubt.
Kaitlin Eskelson
President and CEO | Visit Salt Lake
What do you most want to accomplish?
For Salt Lake City to be a top 10 meeting and convention destination nationally. For every resident to understand the economic impact of our visitor economy. For small businesses to thrive in our eclectic ecosystem. To craft a company culture of transparency, high production, high reward, support, and respect. To never miss the moments—professionally or personally. To have my kids say, “You were always there for me,” and to look at my husband and say, “We built this together.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Going after my professional dreams to become a CEO when I was considered to be a little “too young” and my kids were a little “too little.” What would I be teaching my kids if I didn’t dare to dream big?
Katherine Matsumoto
Senior Director, Internal Communications | Recursion
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
A quote by Minouche Shafik that I wish I would have known sooner: “Jobs used to be about muscles, now they’re about brains. In the future, they will be about the heart.” Whether you see yourself as mostly heart, head, or gut, there’s a place for you to lead authentically. Your contributions will be more meaningful and impactful when you embrace your diverse strengths.
What do you look forward to most at work every day?
I look forward to moments of connection, whether it’s connecting people, ideas, inspiration, or impact. These moments where the light bulb gets lit up are what keep me going.
Kristina Allen
EVP, Documentation | Onset Financial
Who inspires you most? Why?
I find inspiration in the everyday acts of those around me that reflect kindness, sacrifice, selflessness, grit, and commitment: The mom that goes to work early but takes the time to read her child to sleep, the dad who volunteers his time to coach a youth sports team, the co-worker who jumps in to find a solution for another team, the customer who holds the door for another, the couple holding hands while going for a walk. To me, being able to witness these seemingly small acts fills me with inspiration and hope every single day.
What do you look forward to most at work every day?
The people! I look forward to seeing my team encounter and overcome challenges, find new and innovative ways to accomplish our daily workload, hold each other accountable, cheer each other on, and laugh together. I also really love being able to use critical and strategic thinking on a daily basis to help create a better workflow for my company and our customers.
Lana Howell
Managing Director | Colliers
What do you most want to accomplish?
Life is a fantastic adventure filled with opportunities to build relationships, help people, be creative, and take in all the world offers. I want to accomplish great things, of course! Who doesn’t? I also feel it’s crucial to have the ability to be content today—to be grateful for your current moment so you can continue to dream big while being present as well.
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
Don’t get distracted by all of the noise. There is so much chatter that can derail your thoughts in today’s world. Believe in yourself, don’t offend easily, and be authentic. Surround yourself with those who motivate you. There is nothing in life that you cannot accomplish if you put forth the effort.
Lianna Kinard
VP, Marketing | The Buckner Company
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
Be a good example and mentor other women in the workplace. Mentor incoming employees and create a culture of teaching and lifting others.
What book has made the biggest impact on you?
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
Madeline Becker Hamilton
Owner and CMO | Ivy City Co.
Who inspires you most? Why?
Different people and fictional characters have inspired me at different times in my life, from my daughter to Anne Shirley. Lately, I draw a lot of inspiration from fellow female entrepreneurs in Utah. Witnessing women like Mary Moody of Made By Mary build something meaningful from the ground up is astounding.
What do you most want to accomplish?
I have specific milestones I want to hit with Ivy City Co., of course. But at the end of the day, I want to bring joy, healing, and purpose to as many women around the world as possible. I would love to help other startups thrive and create a foundation that empowers and teaches skills to young girls.
McKenzie Rockwood
Registered Dietician and Founder | Citrus Pear
What advice would you give your younger self?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be your own advocate. Stand up for yourself and believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to prove your own worth. You are smart and have the knowledge and drive to do amazing things!
What do you look forward to most at work every day?
It’s extremely heartwarming to hear what a help our meals have been for people in our Citrus Pear community. When I hear that our meals helped a mother who recently had a child diagnosed with diabetes, a family mourning the loss of a loved one, or an individual achieve their health and fitness goals, it makes all the hard work worth it. It’s every dietitian’s dream to provide people with food that they love.
Michelle Fisher
Senior Director, Program Management | Lucid Software
Who inspires you most? Why?
My parents! They set such an amazing example of working hard, being disciplined and ambitious, and still managing to juggle their careers while raising their family. Even as a young girl, they encouraged me to set goals, break down what steps I would take to achieve them, and celebrate those milestones along the way. Setting up a goal board with magazine cut-outs was a common activity in our household, and it set in motion my love for setting and connecting goals with execution.
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
Don’t be scared to forge your own pathway. I often hear from others that they can’t grow at a company because a role doesn’t exist. The reality is, just because it doesn’t exist does not mean it’s not needed. I would encourage my peers to be vocal about opportunities they see that would bring improvements and add value to the company.
Mindi Cox
Chief Marketing and People Officer | O.C. Tanner Company
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would counsel my younger self to always remember that the most important promises you can make are to yourself. No matter how improbable your desired dream or outcome may be, go after the difference you want to make in the world unapologetically. What you feel to do is what you were sent here to add—give it!
What book has made the biggest impact on you?
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown, “The Law of Divine Compensation” by Marianne Williamson, or “The Wealthy Gardner” by John Soforic.
Monet Johnson
VP of Marketing | SME Industries
Who inspires you most? Why?
There are so many who inspire me. One that comes immediately to my mind is Phoebe Schecter. She made world headlines when she became Britain’s first female coach in the NFL. She said, “I never really thought of myself as being the ‘only female.’ I think we really need to remove that mindset from the situation because otherwise, we’re always going to be singling ourselves out. Mentally, that can play mind games with you.”
I believe this is how we will help people to see each other for the talents they each bring and not for anything else.
What do you most want to accomplish?
I want to prove to myself and those who follow behind me that the only one who will hold you back from your dreams is yourself. I want to keep exploring, learning, and growing for the rest of my life. As I continuously tell my children, “Always try new things because you never know when you will find your next favorite.”
Nailah Blades Wylie
Leadership Coach and Community Builder | Color Outside
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I wake up and bet on myself every day. I’ve been in business for myself for ten years. I’m proud that I’ve had the determination and courage to stick it through this past decade and continue creating change for myself, my clients, and my community.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to always stay true to myself and ignore the impulse to change myself to fit in. I’ve found that the more authentic I am and the closer I stick to who I really am at my core, the more success I find. Plus, I have much more fun that way!
Nikki Walker
Director of Community Engagement and DE&I | Domo
What do you most want to accomplish?
I want most to leave a legacy for my family. Breaking generational curses isn’t easy, but the work is worth it. My son’s children will have access to things I only dreamed of and they will couple those opportunities with love and service to make the Walker name one to be admired.
What advice would you give other women in the Utah business landscape?
You are enough. Push forward fearlessly and stand your ground, sisters! The world needs you. Utah needs you. Our daughters need to see you. Be brave. Be bold. Believe in you!
Rachael Motzkus
Commercial Real Estate Attorney | Snell & Wilmer
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The professional accomplishments I’m most proud of are assisting with the sale of the Larry H. Miller auto dealerships, a portfolio of over 70 auto centers across the West; the acquisition of DESRI’s 180 MegaWatt solar projects in Iron County, Utah; and the purchase of Daybreak, one of Utah’s largest master-planned communities. The personal accomplishment I’m most proud of recently is cultivating a beautifully overgrown garden with my husband.
What book has made the biggest impact on you?
“A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle.
Sadiqa Mahmood
General Manager and SVP, Life Sciences | Health Catalyst
Who inspires you most? Why?
In my family, my mother is my greatest inspiration. She is a successful physician, mother, wife, and businesswoman. She worked extremely hard and has been a hero in her own way in her personal and professional life. Another inspiration for me has been Indra Nooyi. She transformed PepsiCo from being a company that made coveted products like soft drinks, potato chips, corn chips, etc., to a company delivering great performance while doing the right things for the people and the community around the world as the society was changing.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my talented team, which provided me the privilege of being their leader. They come together every day with the purpose of advancing scientific research and drug development informed by data so that mankind has better access to therapeutics and diagnostics. At a more personal level, I’m most proud of being able to achieve my dream of being a competitive race car driver.
Sage Hancock
Executive Director | Elizabeth Smart Foundation
Director of Impact | Malouf Foundation
Who inspires you most? Why?
My husband, Porter. He was paralyzed at age 16 but went on to be a first-generation college graduate, stay incredibly physically active, get a master’s degree, and excel in his professional career. He also has been a consistent factor in encouraging me to believe in myself, aim higher, and accomplish more than I thought possible.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The merger between the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and Malouf Foundation. One of my core beliefs in my work is that nonprofits cannot be competitive. They must be fully focused on the community they exist for and making the greatest, lasting impact. Working together with a group of talented individuals to make that come to life in the sexual exploitation space has been powerful.
Tunisha Brown
Founder and Editor-in-Chief | IMPACT Magazine
Who inspires you most? Why?
Black women inspire me the most because we are the most disrespected but the most relied upon.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You are who you needed this whole time!
To learn more about our 2022 30 Women to Watch honorees, watch the honoree videos below and view additional photos here.
