Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our Leadership Spotlight
series, where we highlight women of different backgrounds and industries who are paving the
way for women in leadership.

This month, WPLN Fellow Alayna Ruiz (Weber University) was joined by Utah State Representative Katy Hall, who has represented Utah’s House District 11 since 2023. With a background as a registered nurse, Rep. Hall brings a practical, people-first perspective to public service. Alayna spoke with Rep. Hall about her path into leadership, the experiences that led her to run for office, and what women should consider before stepping into public life.

Rep. Hall shared how her path to public service was not a traditional one. Her career began in healthcare, not politics, and she never expected to run for office. Over time she felt called to become more involved in her community. Through direct conversations with neighbors and constituents, she realized many people shared similar concerns. Drawing from her experiences as a nurse, military spouse, parent, and community volunteer, Rep. Hall emphasized that effective leadership is rooted in real-world experience and connection.

A central theme of the conversation was leading by example. Rep. Hall emphasized that strong leadership starts with integrity, humility, and a willingness to listen and seek feedback. Public service, she noted, requires time and sacrifice, particularly in unpaid citizen legislatures. Still, the rewards come in meaningful ways. As she shared, “You’re not going to get paid for it, but there are other rewards… like knowing that you passed good legislation.” For Rep. Hall, leadership is most impactful when it aligns with personal values and a genuine commitment to others.

Rep. Hall closed the conversation with advice for women considering leadership roles: “Stay true to who you are and what you stand for.” Her message highlights the importance of values-driven leadership and knowing when to step forward and when to step back. This is a reminder that leadership does not have to be permanent to be meaningful, but it does need to be grounded in integrity.

Watch the full interview on YouTube:

Seeking mentorship and a supportive community of female leaders? WPLN is building a network of women united by common-sense priorities and providing support and training resources at no cost to our audience. Visit our website to subscribe to our newsletter, learn about events, and take advantage of the free online resources we have available.