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.
Appointed in 2021, Tracy S. Gruber serves as Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, supporting communities, families and children facing complex challenges. Previously, at the Department of Workforce Services, she became dedicated to dissolving intergenerational poverty in Utah.
Why do you feel Women’s History Month is important?
It’s incredibly important, especially for young girls, to hear about the accomplishments of women throughout history. I recently attended the unveiling of the Martha Hughes Cannon statue in Washington, D.C., where I had the privilege of learning about her remarkable journey — being the first woman elected to any national legislature in the U.S. and overcoming countless barriers along the way. An entire month dedicated to celebrating women’s history and their extraordinary contributions to the world and the United States is not only important but also a powerful opportunity to highlight the women leaders who serve as role models.
In 2017, you were named “Government Official of the Year”. What was your path like to get to this point and how can others follow in your footsteps?
It’s fascinating to reflect on the professional journey one takes throughout their career. For me, there wasn’t a specific path but rather a guiding principle that I’ve held both in my professional goals and personal life. This core belief — that everyone, regardless of where they live, should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams — has always shaped my direction. This value drives and motivates me in my work, leading me to where I am today.
How has your background shaped your career and influenced your work in making child care more accessible and affordable?
Before my current role at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, I worked at the Department of Workforce Services, where I served as the advisor for the state’s intergenerational poverty initiative and managed the office overseeing child care services. This experience has shaped my understanding of the critical importance of early childhood development.
As women in today’s world, we have the opportunity to make choices about our lives and futures. Personally, I was fortunate to stay home with my children for several years, earn my degree and enter the workforce once they were older. Child care plays a crucial role in enabling women to make those choices. Affordable child care empowers women to join the workforce, benefiting not just the individual but also contributing to Utah’s economy by bringing diverse talents and skills into the labor force.
What inspired you to become involved with the Intergenerational Poverty Initiative, and what role did you play in shaping its approach?
As I mentioned earlier, one of my core beliefs is that everyone, regardless of their upbringing or life circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their hopes and dreams. When addressing intergenerational poverty and how it can be passed from one generation to the next, our goal is to ensure that it is not a predetermined fate but rather an obstacle that can be overcome.
With these values and my professional training in law, my previous roles have allowed me to merge my expertise with data-driven insights to better understand the factors that place children on this path. We are deeply committed to making measurable strides in reducing the number of children living in poverty in Utah, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to build a brighter future.
What’s next? What are your current and future aspirations?
My goal is to continue serving the great state of Utah, ensuring that my core beliefs remain at the foundation of my work. I am deeply honored and proud to stand alongside Utah’s incredible public servants every day at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, making a meaningful impact in our communities.
