Sophia DiCaro | Most Influential Women 2024
Executive Director & Senior Advisor | Utah Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget
When Sophia DiCaro graduated from the University of Utah with her undergraduate degree, she had her sights set on law school. But then, an opportunity to intern in the governor’s budget office presented itself. Law school, she decided, would wait.
Over 20 years later, DiCaro has forged a successful career in budgeting and planning. She has worked for five of Utah’s governors and was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2014. After earning her master’s degree at the University of Utah, DiCaro was asked to teach budgeting and finance in the Master of Public Administration program, which she did for five years. Now, as executive director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and senior advisor to Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox, she is the chief financial officer for the state’s executive branch.
“I was always interested in that legal path, but the work I did with compliance is all regulatory — interpreting regulation. I’ve been able to live in the world where you’re creating laws and regulations,” DiCaro says. “And I got to make laws without having to go to law school.”
Reflecting on her journey, DiCaro says it all comes back to community.
“That’s what motivates me to the core because life is short. What we do while we’re here on this planet, wherever we can, motivates me to be as impactful as I can and use my skills to try to do some positive things,” DiCaro says.
She has served on several boards and has been named one of Utah Business’ 30 Women to Watch, but chairing the Primary Children’s Hospital board of trustees is an experience that is particularly meaningful.
“It doesn’t get any better than improving the lives of children,” DiCaro says. “You’re really improving your future if you invest in kids.”
Service has remained a source of inspiration throughout her impressive career — one she believes has been successful because of those she has been surrounded by along the way.
“These roles in public service really are a way to do something bigger than yourself,” DiCaro says. “We work as a team to produce all the wonderful things that come out of this office. I would attribute that to not doing anything great alone. You do it with people who have similar motivations, and when we lift each other and match up with a lot of diversified skills and talents, you can really achieve some incredible things.”