Melanie Paris Jones has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Leadership Institute. WLI is a Utah-based nonprofit working to elevate the stature of female leadership in the state.
Jones has 28 years of experience across several industries, most recently as Editor-in-Chief of Utah Business Magazine. She has also held positions at Younique, TEDxSaltLakeCity and Ultradent Products. She was selected following an extensive search conducted by female leaders across the state.
“Melanie brings a rare combination of strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and authentic passion for elevating women,” said Ally Isom, Chief Marketing and External Affairs Officer at Clyde Companies and co-chair of WLI’s succession committee, in a release. “Her experience and values align beautifully with our mission, and we’re confident she’s the right leader to take WLI forward.”
Founded in 2015, WLI partners with companies statewide to drive systemic change and promote gender equity. Through its ElevateHER Challenge™ and four annual leadership programs, WLI has impacted hundreds of organizations and counts more than 1,000 alumnae across Utah.
“The Women’s Leadership Institute has a bold and important mission — to ensure that women’s talents and voices are not only heard but valued at every level of leadership,” Jones said in a release. “I’m honored to lead WLI into its next chapter, expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to champion real progress for women in Utah’s business and civic communities.”
Melanie Paris Jones succeeds Patricia Jones (no relation), who announced her retirement in April 2024 after nearly a decade as WLI’s founding CEO. Under her leadership, the organization became a respected force for gender equity and leadership development in the state.