In honor of Women’s History Month this March, the Salt Lake Chamber is spotlighting influential women throughout Utah. By sharing their stories and insights, we aim to raise awareness about the significance of Women’s History Month.
Renae Cowley is a dedicated advocate with a deep-rooted passion for hard work and perseverance, shaped by her upbringing in horseback riding and rodeo. As a lobbyist and Partner at Foxley & Pignanelli, she works to ensure that diverse voices and interests are represented in politics.
Who is a woman in your life who has impacted you?
My grandmother, Granny, was an incredible role model for me. She taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing wholeheartedly and to the best of my ability. Whether hosting a birthday party or simply cleaning her kitchen, she approached everything with dedication and a service mindset. That unwavering commitment is something I deeply admire and see in many women. I strive to embody that same mindset every day — in my work, personal life and friendships — by giving my whole heart to everything I do.
What lessons did growing up horseback riding and winning Miss Rodeo Utah teach you and what influenced you to shift to become a political consultant and lobbyist?
Being a cowgirl taught me the value of hard work, a lesson that has shaped my entire life. Growing up, we didn’t have the most expensive horses or the nicest trailer, but I quickly realized that none of that mattered — what truly counted was the dedication in my heart and the effort I put in. I learned that no one could outwork me, and I firmly believe that hard work will always outshine talent.
Balancing both my passion for barrel racing and my career as a full-time lobbyist allows me to embrace both sides of who I am. My journey into politics began at Utah State University, where I discovered that it could be more than just an interest — it could be a career. That realization opened countless doors for me, and I’m grateful to be able to pursue both of my passions.
Is there an initiative or project that you are particularly proud of? And how does it impact women?
I’m incredibly proud of my work with the Utah Media Coalition, advocating for government transparency and accountability. This issue affects every Utahn — we all have the right to know how our elected officials, bureaucrats and public employees are using our tax dollars. Without transparency, trust in the system breaks down. But accountability isn’t just about exposing wrongdoing; it’s about fostering confidence between the public and those in power. One way I help build that trust is through social media, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Capitol Hill to demystify the political process and make it more accessible to everyone.
How do you maintain work-life balance as a social media influencer?
The more time I spend on the Hill or with my horses, the more content I have to share online. The biggest challenge is finding the time to edit and post it. Sharing these experiences creates accessibility, allowing people to connect and engage in ways they might not otherwise. By giving a glimpse into my world — whether in politics or rodeo — I hope to inspire others to get involved, reach out to their legislators and fully participate in the conversations that matter to them.
How has your unique perspective as a “conservative millennial cowgirl” influenced your path and what important lessons have you learned along the way?
As a “conservative millennial cowgirl,” my perspective is shaped by both my upbringing and my deep involvement in politics. In my weekly political column with Frank Pignanelli in Deseret News, our differing backgrounds are obvious. While we may disagree on policies, it’s more about perspective than deep philosophical divides. Seeing issues through different lenses doesn’t mean we’re at odds — it strengthens the conversation. At the core, we both care about people and promoting Utah. We may approach issues differently, but we’re united in our passion for this state and its future.
