Champions                                                                                                         

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.

Deidre Henderson is Utah’s ninth lieutenant governor and a former state senator. In office, she works to remove barriers to success for all Utahns, ensures elections are well run, and bolsters government-to-government relationships as Utah’s secretary of state.

Abby Palmer Cox became the first lady of Utah when her husband Spencer J. Cox was sworn in as governor on January 4th, 2021. She hopes to inspire Utahns to break down the barriers that separate people and advocates for “getting proximate” and connecting through differences.

Ryan Starks is the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. He oversees Gov. Cox’s vision of providing economic opportunities for all Utahns. The office supports business, industry, and community growth through financial incentives and grant programs.

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 is a board member for nonprofit organizations who advocates for women, children, and refugees through social media platforms to build awareness and increase impact.

Becky Edwards served for ten years in the Utah House of Representatives and was a candidate for U.S. Congress. She is the founder of Governing Group, an organization committed to growing civic and political leadership for women throughout Utah.

Sui Lang L. Panoke is the Founder of Rethink International. She is a visionary leader, social entrepreneur, and international trainer with a passion for empowering today’s leaders.

Mary Crafts has handed the reins of Culinary Crafts over to her children, and now leads social change to create Oneness and Empowerment around the world. She is an entrepreneur, author, podcaster, national speaker, philanthropist, and grandmother.

Tessa White is the founder of The Job Doctor, a practice dedicated to building career strategies and re-engage people in the workplace. She was appointed by Governor Cox to serve on the USU Board of Trustees and is active on Utah Valley University's Womens Success Center. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Kori Ann Edwards is the managing director of strategic initiatives for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). In this role, Kori Ann champions Gov. Cox’s commitment to providing economic opportunity for all Utahns.

Jennifer Smith is Zions Bancorporation’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Operations Officer. She is committed to serving her community and is a member of many boards and committees throughout Utah.

Lisa Watts Baskin is an experienced civic leader and lawyer in public law. In her career, she has focused on good governance, child welfare, and women’s leadership.  She is an elected official and committed to improving opportunities and outcomes for girls and women.

Dr. Paula Noble Fellingham has received awards from 3 U.S. Presidents. Paula created Win Win Women and the Global Alliance for Women Empowerment. She co-presented 400+ women's events in 152 countries. Paula wants to help BWF spread across the world.

Ruma Chopra joined the University of Utah in July 2023. She is currently the Dean of the School for Cultural and Social Transformation. She is a scholar of the American Revolution and American slavery and author of 3 books.