President and CEO, Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging
zxiao@belonginutah.org

Ms. Xiao founded the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging (CEOB) and serves as its President and CEO. The CEOB envisions a Utah in which all residents experience a sense of belonging and equal opportunity so they can contribute their best selves to the growth and enhancement of the economic, social, and political life of the state. The CEOB achieves this vision by identifying and promoting actionable solutions to disparities through engagement with communities and by catalyzing private, philanthropic, and public partnerships. The CEOB is rooted in the belief that transformational change requires individuals closest to the problem to become active participants in identifying, implementing, and evaluating effective solutions.

Before founding the CEOB, Ms. Xiao had a 13-year career with Salt Lake County. As the Director of the Mayor’s Office for New Americans, she guided immigrant and refugee integration strategies on the local, state, and national levels. Under her leadership, Salt Lake County became a national leader in the Welcoming and Belongings movement. It was awarded the distinction as the first county in the nation to achieve Welcoming Certification.

Ms. Xiao is a graduate of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Leadership Fellowship (2022).  She is a member of the 2023 German Marshall Fund Memorial Fellowship.

Ms. Xiao is an avid traveler and an adventurous eater, a combination that has afforded her opportunities to immerse in cultures from around the world.

Master of Arts in Community Leadership, Westminster University

Senior Project Manager & Director of Marketing
bwymes@belonginutah.org

Bailey joined the Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging in 2022, where she now serves as the Senior Project Manager and Director of Marketing. She authored the “We Are Utah: A Toolkit for Building Belonging in the Workplace,” a resource now implemented by businesses throughout Utah to foster unity and connection. Recognizing the importance of community and skill-building opportunities for her generation, Bailey co-founded the Bonding & Bridging: Young Professionals Network, creating a space for growth and collaboration.

In 2024, Bailey was honored by Utah Business Magazine as one of their "20 in Their 20s," recognizing her impactful contributions and leadership.

As a proud second-generation Mexican American, Bailey is deeply committed to amplifying community voices and honoring collective wisdom. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Westminster University, where she focused on social movements and revolutions. When she’s not working, Bailey enjoys spending time with her dog or curling up with a good book.

Bachelor of Arts, History, Westminster University

Utah Digital Opportunity Network Student Fellow

avandanapu@belonginutah.org

Aditi is a passionate and driven rising Sophomore at the University of Utah with experience in computer science, business, and data analytics. She not only excels academically but also possesses an infectious attitude that motivates and inspires those around her. She is dedicated to personal growth and seeks to make a meaningful impact through her work and professional pursuits. Aditi has demonstrated strong leadership skills as the Junior Vice President of Recruiting for the Management Consulting Club, Director of Outreach for Women in Business, Committee Lead for the Honors Student Advisory Council, and she is a member of various organizations such as Women in Finance and Mock Trial. She has also received multiple awards at the state and international level for DECA, star attorney awards in Mock Trial, was the ECON case week finalist and many more. In addition to her professional pursuits, she enjoys taekwondo and dance, which fuel her creativity and drive. She is dedicated to continuous growth and making an impact in her community! 

Marketing Student Fellow

canderson@belonginutah.org

Carley is a rising Sophomore at the University of Utah majoring in Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations (QAMO), with minors in Accounting and Political Science. Her academic interests are centered on Economic Policy, which she hopes to explore further in her future career. She graduated Valedictorian and participates in many different organizations such as Business Economics Society, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, and the University of Utah Reading Clinic, where she volunteers her time teaching elementary students how to read. She has a deep love of learning and a strong passion for working with people in any area. Carley was born and raised in Utah and loves exploring the national parks, lakes, and everything Utah has to offer. Outside the classroom and workplace, she enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, and playing pickleball, where she loves to expand her knowledge and her recreational pursuits.