Description

Join us for a special Women in Business Luncheon featuring a panel of female legislators who are helping shape the future of our communities and our state.

This engaging conversation will provide an opportunity to hear directly from women serving in public office as they share their experiences in leadership, discuss issues impacting our businesses and communities, and offer their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing Utah.

Come connect with fellow Women in Business members, enjoy lunch, and be part of a meaningful conversation about leadership, service, and the importance of women having a voice at the table.

Whether you’re a business owner, professional, community leader, or simply interested in learning more about the decisions affecting our community, we invite you to join us for this informative and inspiring event.

Bring your questions and come ready for a great conversation!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

 Melissa Garff Ballard, Representative

Melissa Garff Ballard was born and raised in Bountiful, Utah. She and her husband, Craig Ballard, have raised 6 children in North Salt Lake and now have 6 grandchildren. They served as Mission Leaders in the Oregon Portland Mission 2014-2017. She received a BA ‘92 and master's degree in Piano Performance University of Utah ’94, performed in NYC Carnegie Hall 2023 and 2025, and recorded an album with Centaur Records receiving critics’ choice awards in 2020. 

Melissa was elected to the Utah legislature in 2018. Her legislative service has included Chair of Higher Education Appropriations, Vice Chair Criminal Justice Appropriations, Chair of the Higher Education and Corrections Council, Chair of Education and Mental Health Council, Chair of the Utah Marriage Commission, Talent Education and Industry Alignment Board. Service on Utah legislative standing committees include Public Education, Transportation, Criminal and Law Enforcement, Business and Labor, Economic Development, and Social Services Appropriations.

Nationally, her service includes President of the Women’s Legislative Network for NCSL, Vice Chair Children, Families and Human Services Standing Committee NCSL, Founding Board Member of the United States Hydrogen Alliance, Leadership Alliance for a More Perfect Union Founder’s Council, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, and Green Hydrogen Coalition.

In Utah, her service includes the following Boards:  Talent Ready Utah, Envision Utah, the Governor’s Utah Education Commission, Atlantis Foundation, The Natural History Museum of Utah, Founding Chair of the SLCAP Advisory Board, Founding Chair of the University of Utah School of Music Advisory Board, Founding Leader of Republican Women Lead PAC.

Melissa’s legislative experience has been in a variety of areas, including but not limited to, education funding transparency, improving government fiscal transparency, parental leave in public schools, planning for growth, energy production, early education, aligning workforce development with private and public higher education partners, aligning private with public mental and behavioral health organizations, transportation growth, simplifying government regulations, and support of the arts and museums. Work with the Department of Corrections has led to innovative prison reform including increasing access to education, inmate debt, and preparation for reentering into society upon release.

 AWARDS 

• 2025 GRIT Government Resilience Innovation Transparency Award, first ever recipient from the Governor of Utah   

• 2025 Libertas Legislative Champion 

• 2024 Corrections Legislative Champion 

• 2023 Hunters’ Teddy Roosevelt Award  

• 2023 SLCC Salt Lake Community College Legislative Champion Award 

• 2020-2026 Salt Lake Chamber Business Champion 

• 2020-2026 Utah Arts and Culture Legislative Champion 

• 2020 Hone Care & Hospice Hero 

• 2011 Camarata Award, University of Utah School of Music 

• 2010 Head Start Founding co-chair recognition  

• 2007 Heart and Hand Award

 Karianne Lisonbee, Representative

Representative Karianne Lisonbee has served in the Utah House of Representatives since 2017. A proud mother, loving wife, and dedicated homemaker, she raised her family in Syracuse and is committed to building a safer future for Utah. A graduate of Brigham Young University, she has focused her legislative efforts on criminal justice policies that protect our communities. She served 4 years in House Leadership and currently serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, on the  Education Committee, and on the  Criminal Justice Appropriations Committee, working to improve public safety, lower taxes, reduce regulations, and ensure Utah remains a thriving place for all. 

 Tami Tran, Mayor of Kaysville, State Senate Candidate

Elected in 2021, Tami Tran is a trusted leader, committed community advocate, and proud Kaysville resident. As Mayor, she has strengthened partnerships across Davis County, prioritized public safety, championed economic development, and fostered a culture of transparency and collaboration at City Hall.

Her Story: A Life Built on Hard Work, Opportunity, and Purpose

Tami’s story began in Seoul, Korea, and continued in Utah after she was adopted and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1979. From a young age, she learned the value of family, faith, and resilience.

While attending Brigham Young University as a Political Science major, Tami began her professional journey in mortgage lending. Her early work taught her the importance of trust, integrity, and sound financial management—principles that have guided her ever since.

That foundation led to a successful career in commercial development,  and entrepreneurship. In 2004, she co-founded an aerospace and  defense contracting company, she owns with her business partner and spouse. She is the owner /CEO of Rylex and Owner/President of Woodbury Technologies, both companies have employed hundreds of people nationwide. Her leadership in the private sector has created jobs for Utah families and strengthened local economic opportunity.

Leadership & Service

Tami’s public service extends well beyond City Hall. She serves as Chair of the Davis Technical College Board of Trustees which is the largest tech college in the state and top 10 in the nation. She is the Chair of the Davis County Council of Governments, where she brings cities together to coordinate on transportation, housing, and economic growth.

She also serves on the Utah League of Cities and Towns Board, the Weber State University National Advisory Board, and the State of Utah Cyber Security Commission—helping ensure that Utah’s communities remain strong, secure, and forward-thinking.

Under her leadership, Kaysville has launched new programs to build connection and civic pride, including the Kaysville Youth Leadership “Mayor Lunches” program for elementary students and the first-ever Davis County Council of Mayors, which she created to foster regional collaboration.

As a former Planning Commissioner and City Council Member, Tami has always worked to balance growth with preservation—protecting Kaysville’s hometown feel while preparing for its future. She is known for thoughtful, respectful decision-making and her ability to bring people together even in times of disagreement.

Her popular Happy Grateful Blessed podcast highlights the stories of local leaders, small businesses, and residents—building connection, optimism, and pride across the community.

Other Boards & Service

- Current Honorary commander 309 CMXG

- Executive Leadership Board, Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee (TOUMAC)

- Chair, Davis County Loan Fund which provides financing for businesses

- Board of Trustees, Lake View Hospital (Past Chair, 2024)

- Board of Trustees, Centerpointe Theatre (Centerville)

- Founding Board Member, 47G

- Executive Board Member, Chair, Wasatch Front Regional Council Regional Growth Committee

- Board Member, Wasatch Waste Management (Landfill)

- State of Utah Cyber Security Commission

- Davis Chamber Legislative Committee Member

Family & Values

In 1991, Tami and her husband Ly sponsored and assumed financial responsibility for Ly’s entire immediate family from Vietnam—seven individuals who are now proud U.S. citizens. Their story is one of faith, opportunity, and love. Married for over 35 years, Tami and Ly are the proud parents of Ryan (Aeryun) Tran and Alexa (Peter) Gardiner, and grandparents to three. Now empty nesters, they enjoy boating, golfing, and traveling together. A lifelong Republican and  past State Central Committee and current,  Davis County Delegate, Tami believes deeply in service, accountability, and gratitude.

“Leave every person and situation better than you found them.”