Business Women's Forum 2024: 3/19 How Women Have Influenced Change and Can Continue to Drive Positive Impact in our Communities

Makaila Kelso is a Utah native and graduate of Utah State University. She currently is the Strategic Account Manager at Spherion, where she leverages her interpersonal skills and innovative thinking to cultivate strategic partnerships and create cutting-edge staffing solutions. Makaila is driven by her deep-seated commitment to employee advocacy, equity, positive company cultures, upward mobility, and eliminating barriers to workforce entry. Outside her professional role, Makaila is a dynamic force within her community. She proudly serves on the board of directors for Best Seat in the House and sits on the Business Women's Forum Steering Committee, Chamber West Legislative Affairs Committee, and others. In her rare moments of respite, Makaila finds joy in her love for plants, travel, and the creation of memories with her loved ones. She is also a dedicated small business owner, passionate about supporting fellow women-owned and local businesses. 

Alexx Goeller, Director of Philanthropy, Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
Alexx is a seasoned nonprofit professional who is currently working as the Director of Philanthropy at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. She works with community partners to raise funds which will create unique and inviting exhibits that highlight donor organizations while effectively engaging a young audience. She has worked for healthcare nonprofits, government agencies, and, prior to her current role, she managed a corporate philanthropy program at a local Utah company. In 2018, she graduated with a Masters of Arts in Nonprofit Management and Global Community Leadership. In addition to early childhood STEAM education, Alexx also passionately volunteers in the areas of refugee resettlement, female empowerment, and animal welfare. In her free time, Alexx enjoys spending time hiking, backpacking, and camping outside with her husband, Leo, and their dog Betty White. 

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT:  
This luncheon will be different from previous luncheons and will feature multiple non-profits. Here are the Non-Profits we will be highlighting: 

American Cancer Society
Catholic Community Services of Utah
The Christmas Box International
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
Friends of the Children Utah
Junior Achievement of Utah, Inc. 
Project Connection
Utah Clean Energy
Utah Farm Bureau Federation
Utah Infertility Resource Center
Utah Microloan Fund
Volunteers of America Utah
Women's Leadership Institute