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.