Our kNOw Poverty Summit Speakers
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Aimee Winder NewtonAimee Winder Newton serves as a senior advisor to Governor Cox and director of the Utah Office of Families. She has championed social media legislation and education, home visiting programs for vulnerable families, and many other upstream policies to strengthen families in Utah so children have better outcomes.
Her previous roles include planning commissioner, city communications director, executive for a biotech company, small business owner, and board member for several organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse Utah. She was a 2020 candidate for Utah governor. In 2024 she was recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of Utah's Most Influential Women.
Aimee also serves on the Salt Lake County Council and chairs the Salt Lake County Intergenerational Poverty Task Force.
Aimee is a graduate of the University of Utah. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for 32 years and have raised four children. They are new grandparents and love to travel with their growing family. -
Antonio GonzalezTony is a devoted father of four boys who recently relocated from San Jose to Utah less than a year ago. His journey has been marked by significant challenges, including experiencing homelessness and personal struggles with substance use. After living with substance use disorder for 25 years, Tony is now in long-term recovery and uses his story as a source of strength and purpose.
Today, Tony works at the Utah County Warming Center, where he supports individuals who are facing some of the same hardships he once endured. His lived experience allows him to connect with others in a meaningful and compassionate way. He is deeply committed to being a positive example for his sons—showing them resilience, accountability, and the power of change.
Tony believes strongly in giving back and serving those who are less fortunate. Recently certified with Circles Utah Valley, he continues to build stability for his family while also lifting others along the way. His hopes and dreams center on continued personal growth, strengthening his community impact, and creating a lasting legacy of perseverance and service for his children. -
Mayor Marsha JudkinsMarsha Judkins has lived in Provo for nearly 40 years. She and her husband, Randy, raised their seven children in West Provo and are deeply rooted in the community they love.
Mayor Judkins brings decades of experience in public service, education, and civic leadership. Her work in local schools, community organizations, and elected office has shaped a collaborative, practical approach to leadership grounded in listening, problem-solving, and accountability.
Mayor Judkins holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She has worked as a children’s librarian at the Provo City Library, taught math as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, served on the Provo School Board, and represented west Provo for six years as Utah state legislator. Her service reflects her core belief in collaborative local and regional partnerships and improving civic engagement.
As Mayor, Marsha Judkins is focused on transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and effective and accessible city services. Her priorities include strengthening neighborhoods, supporting families and local businesses, and ensuring city government is responsive to the people it serves.
Marsha’s favorite thing is to spend time with her 7 kids, her wonderful kids-in-law, and her 13 incredible grandchildren, who light up her life. -
Amanda HarveyAmanda is a 34-year-old lifelong resident of Utah County, where she has built deep roots in the community, she proudly calls home. She is the devoted mother of one son and is determined to create a stable, loving, and opportunity-filled life for him.
Amanda’s journey has included significant challenges. She battled addiction on and off for 16 years and has worked hard to overcome the obstacles that came with it. She has also endured the heartbreaking loss of her brother to suicide, an experience that has shaped her strength, empathy, and desire to support others who are struggling. For a year, Amanda lived in Mexico, an experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her love for travel and connecting with new people.
Family is central to Amanda’s life. Motocross is a big part of her family culture, and she also enjoys archery hunting and camping. She finds joy in volunteering, giving back, and building meaningful relationships in her community.
Looking ahead, Amanda is focused on continued independence and personal growth. She dreams of one day opening her own salon and is motivated by the desire to provide her son with the best life possible. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to family and service. -
Christopher BealsChris was born in Provo, and while he has traveled throughout the western United States, Utah has always been home. At 36 years old, Chris is a proud father of five whose life journey has been shaped by both profound challenges and remarkable resilience.
After 20 years of addiction, Chris is now in long-term recovery. He has navigated mental health struggles and the impact of growing up in a broken home, experiences that have strengthened his compassion and determination to build a different future for his children. Recently, he regained custody of his 9-year-old daughter and has reconnected with two of his sons—milestones that mean everything to him. He treasures spending time with his children, watching them grow, and experiencing life alongside them.
Chris is also a stroke survivor who had to relearn how to walk and talk—an experience that deepened his gratitude for progress and perseverance. Today, he gives back to his community as a volunteer with the Community Action Services and Food Bank Board and is a recent certifier of Circles Utah Valley. He enjoys reading, playing softball, and being present for his kids’ achievements and new experiences.
Above all, Chris is passionate about helping others. His story is one of recovery, restoration, and hope—proof that change is possible and that it’s never too late to rebuild. -
Jessica MillerJessica Miller serves as the Chief Impact Officer of Community Action Services and Food Bank. Jessica helps spread the word about all the good CASFB does in the community. She also connects with community leaders, organizations, and individuals who want to make an impact within the community through donations, volunteering, communication collaboration, or issue advocacy.
Public service was important for Jessica growing up in a military family and influenced her decision to study and graduate with a BA/MA in Public Policy. Over the past 14 years, she secured funding for afterschool programs, school security projects, gang & substance abuse prevention activities, mental health supports, diversity & equity initiatives, and much more.
Says Jessica, “I feel fortunate that I now get to apply both my experience in housing and my experience advocating for critical programs & services here at CASFB.”
