Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our Moms on the Trail series, hosted by WPLN Fellow Alayna Ruiz. Alayna sat down with Sophia DiCaro, Executive Director of Utah’s Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (GOPB) and Senior Advisor to Governor Spencer Cox. Sophia is a mother of three, a former state legislator, and a 25-year veteran of Utah public service.

When Sophia entered the 2014 race for the Utah State House, she wasn’t chasing a bigger title or more leadership; while that was a pro, she was chasing more time with her kids. Legislative service being a part-time role offered a way to stay in policy while being more present at home. She canvassed thousands of doors with her kids in a wagon. On election night she appeared to lose; however, two weeks later, as mail-in ballots were counted, she won.

“I knew what it was like to lose and win. And my family was with me the whole time.”

As only one of three Republican women in a 63-member House caucus, Sophia knew the weight of being the only voice for certain experiences. When legislation was debated regarding women in the workplace, Sophia was able to use her voice to show a working mother's experience. Back in GOPB, she now makes sure her office has private space for women because she knows firsthand what it feels like to not have that kind of space.

“You’re doing it for your children, but you’re also doing it for other people’s children.”

When asked what her own mother taught her about showing up as a leader even when it is hard, Sophia pointed to the home. Her mother was an immigrant seamstress. Her grandmother became the first female crossing guard in Price, Utah, not because anyone asked her to, but because children needed help crossing the street and she was there.

“Leadership doesn’t have to be this big giant thing. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that end up meaning the most.”

Sophia notes that children learn a lot from what their mothers do. For some women, that role is more to stay at home and for others it is not, but regardless, that example leaves a mark that children look up to.

“Appreciate your moms. All of these thankless 'small' things are actually the things that matter most.”

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If you're considering a run for office, remember that representation matters. Your unique perspective and lived experience can inspire others and bring new voices into the political process. WPLN is here to help you get there! Explore free candidate training resources on our website and check out our upcoming events where you can register for virtual and in-person programs and connect with a national network of women leaders.

Check out the full interview on YouTube!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Sophia M. DiCaro has been appointed as Senior Advisor and Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. She is currently the chief compliance officer for The Cynosure Group, an investment advisory firm in Salt Lake City. Prior to joining Cynosure, DiCaro spent 15 years with the State of Utah. In the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, she ran the Utah State Data Center doing demographic and economic analyses and was later responsible for overseeing more than $200 million across five state agencies as a lead budget and policy analyst. DiCaro then served in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, first as finance director, and later as deputy director and chief operating officer overseeing finance, compliance, contract management, federal funds management, technology services, human resources, and policy and legislative affairs.

After working under four gubernatorial administrations in various senior roles, DiCaro served a term in the Utah State House of Representatives, representing northern West Valley City in the Utah State Legislature. While in office, she was recognized as a friend of the taxpayer, as well as a champion for the business community. DiCaro now serves as a commissioner for the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, as well as a trustee for Primary Children’s Hospital. She also serves on the advisory boards of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, as well as the Utah Women’s Leadership Institute, and was recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of Utah’s 30 Women to Watch. DiCaro received a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis on East Asia, Japanese and international relations, as well as a master’s in public administration, both at the University of Utah, where she taught as an adjunct instructor. She is also designated as an Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP®), as well as a Certified Cyber Security Architect.

Connect with Sophia on Linkedin.