Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
According to research from McKinsey & Company, companies with women in top leadership roles are 39% more likely to financially outperform their peers, showing that when women step up to solve problems, everyone benefits.
Utah is home to several trailblazing women in business who are doing exactly that.
Though their paths and professions differ, there's a common thread: a willingness to lead boldly, think differently and take risks that move their industries and communities forward.
Each has found a way to make a meaningful mark, paving the way for others to follow.
In honor of Women's History Month, here are a few Utah women worth knowing — and learning from.
Lucy Andre: Transforming transportation — and the workforce behind it
Utah native Lucy Andre, the first female CEO of Stadler Signaling North America, has already made a mark on the state and the nation.
She grew Stadler U.S. from eight to over 500 employees and secured more than $2 billion in orders. Andre also introduced the U.S.'s first fully battery-powered and hydrogen passenger trains.
But her proudest achievement was launching Utah's first Swiss-style youth apprenticeship program, giving young adults practical skills, a degree and a debt-free start.
Tessa Arneson and Rocky Donati: Designing spaces where women thrive
Tessa Arneson and Rocky Donati co-founded Maven District to build a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Salt Lake City.
What began as a single Pilates studio has grown into a vibrant hub of more than 100 local businesses, all designed to empower female business owners.
By fostering collaboration and lowering barriers, Maven District gives women the space, resources and community to succeed.
Jeanette Bennett: Connecting people, ideas and community
Jeanette Bennett is the executive managing director of Colliers Utah, where she leads Utah's largest commercial real estate office.
Beyond business, she serves on boards like the United Way and Utah Valley University, bringing people together and sparking collaboration.
Dubbed a "pollinator" and one of Utah's Most Influential Women in 2024 by Utah Business Magazine, she links ideas, people and opportunities across business and community.
Angela H. Brown: Amplifying Utah's creative voices
Angela H. Brown has led SLUG Magazine for more than 20 years, growing it from a small publication into a hub for Utah music, arts and culture.
She also founded Craft Lake City, a three-day arts and crafts festival that celebrates local creatives and includes hands-on STEM activities for kids.
The festival's booming popularity has drawn nearly 60,000 people both locally and from out of state in the last couple of years.
Jenny Groberg: Empowering women to be financially confident
Jenny Groberg founded BookSmarts Accounting, an all-women firm supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
She focuses on clear, practical financial guidance so clients can confidently make decisions.
Groberg's approach combines accounting expertise with teaching and support, helping business owners understand their numbers and run their companies more effectively.
Carol Hollowell: Rebuilding systems with dignity at the center
Carol Hollowell is the founder of Switchpoint, a nonprofit that provides housing, health care and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. Instead of opting for temporary solutions, Hollowell works to fix the root cause of poverty by helping people move from survival to stability and from stability to purpose.
These programs have housed over 6,000 families, served 173,000 meals and helped over 36,000 people with case management, job support and mental health care.
Missy Larsen: Preserving Utah's past for future generations
Missy Larsen was recently named executive director and CEO of This Is The Place Heritage Park, where she helps bring Utah's history to life for families, students and visitors.
With decades of experience in public policy, community engagement and nonprofit leadership, Larsen is focused on making the state's history accessible and engaging for new generations.
Liz Owens: Creating pathways for hope and change
Liz Owens is the CEO of YWCA Utah, where she leads one of the state's largest providers of shelter and support services for women and families.
With a background in human rights and years of work with organizations addressing domestic violence, sexual assault and inequality, Owens focuses on expanding resources for survivors while advancing the organization's mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
Lorena Riffo-Jenson: Pairing growth with opportunity
As director of the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development, Lorena Riffo-Jenson works to strengthen the economy in Salt Lake City.
With experience in government, policy and small business, she brings a broad perspective to supporting local businesses and helping neighborhoods grow. Riffo-Jenson also leads efforts to invest in arts and culture across the city, helping create vibrant districts where businesses, artists and communities can thrive.
Ruth Todd: A trusted voice in Utah media
Ruth Todd is executive vice president and chief content officer at Bonneville International, where she helps guide news and media content across the company's platforms.
She previously led communications at Nu Skin and spent years in broadcast journalism, including 15 years anchoring the 10 p.m. news at KSL-TV.
A familiar and trusted voice in Utah media, Todd also takes pride in mentoring young professionals and encouraging more women to step into leadership roles in newsrooms and beyond.
Rena Vanzo: Removing barriers to preventative health care
Rena Vanzo's impact comes with a playful name and a serious mission.
After learning that Utah had some of the lowest mammogram rates in the country, she created The Boob Bus. The mobile breast cancer screening program brings lifesaving preventive care to women in underserved communities.
The next trailblazer could be you
These Utah trailblazers show what's possible when courage and conviction lead the way.
Their stories are proof that taking risks and trusting yourself can create real change for others.
For women seeking connection and momentum, the Salt Lake Chamber's Business Women's Forum offers a place to grow: authentic networking, skill-building, community engagement and recognition — all designed to help women move forward together.
Find out more at slchamber.com.
