Essie Gonzsen

Essie Gonzsen is a strategic leader, educator, and coalition-builder who brings a clear vision for
the future of Equality Utah and the broader movement for fairness and belonging in the state.
With a career rooted in education, community engagement, and cross-cultural dialogue, Essie is
known for her ability to bring people together across political, cultural, and ideological divides to
build durable solutions that move Utah forward.

Essie holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Utah and spent eight
years as a classroom educator in the Salt Lake City School District and California’s Burbank
Unified School District. Working closely with students and families from diverse backgrounds
shaped her leadership philosophy: meaningful progress begins with listening, empathy, and a
commitment to meeting people where they are. These principles continue to guide her work as
she leads complex conversations around equality, policy, and community.

Though she has transitioned from the classroom, education remains central to Essie’s approach
to leadership and advocacy. She is deeply committed to strengthening civic literacy,
empowering emerging leaders, and ensuring that marginalized communities are equipped to
engage effectively in the democratic process.

Before joining Equality Utah’s executive leadership, Essie served as Community Engagement
Coordinator for Encircle St. George, where she built regional partnerships and expanded critical
support networks for LGBTQ youth and families across Southern Utah. She later joined Equality
Utah as Southern Utah Regional Manager, where she played a key role in strengthening the
organization’s statewide reach and influence.

In that role, Essie oversaw Equality Utah’s College Ambassador Program, mentoring LGBTQ
student leaders on campuses across the state. Through training in effective advocacy, civic
engagement, and constructive dialogue, she has helped prepare a new generation of leaders
not only to raise their voices but to build consensus and persuade across differences.

Essie is a certified trainer in Irshad Manji’s Moral Courage framework and Rev. Rich Tafel’s
Cultural Translation model, equipping her with tools to navigate conversations across faith
traditions, political ideologies, and cultural worldviews — a critical skill in Utah’s uniquely
collaborative civic landscape. Her ability to translate values and build common ground has
made her a trusted voice among advocates, community leaders, and policymakers alike.

A compelling public speaker, Essie delivered a TEDx St. George talk titled “Anxiety as an
Asset,” reframing vulnerability and uncertainty as catalysts for courage, growth, and leadership.

Raised in a large Latter-day Saint family, Essie brings a deep understanding of Utah’s cultural
fabric and a personal commitment to fostering dialogue across communities. She and her wife, Jett, have lived in Southern Utah for the past four years, where Essie has worked as Equality
Utah’s Southern Utah Regional Manager, building strong relationships and expanding Equality
Utah’s presence in the region.

As Executive Director, Essie will lead Equality Utah into its next chapter by expanding the
organization’s reach to communities across the state, strengthening the democratic institutions
that safeguard civil rights, and investing in the next generation of leaders. Her leadership
reflects a belief that lasting progress is built not only through advocacy, but through
relationships, shared values, and a vision that invites every Utahn to the table.