Policy Analyst
Tax & Budget
Hometown
Born in El Salvador and adopted as a child, Talia was raised in Lehi, Utah.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned as a child, and how has it influenced your life today?
Stay curious. I've learned that asking questions and understanding different perspectives can help us see possibilities rather than just problems. Curiosity has helped me approach challenges with an open mind and recognize that there's always more to learn.
What was your favorite hobby or extracurricular activity as a child, and did you pursue it further later in life?
I always loved being in the water, even though I wasn't the best swimmer. I remember being so proud of earning my guppy award in swimming lessons while everyone else was getting dolphins and sharks. I also discovered a love for kayaking as a child, and it's something I still enjoy doing today.
What was your favorite toy or game to play with as a child?
I loved playing Tetris and jumping rope. I was pretty competitive and remember practicing jump rope for hours to prepare for an elementary school contest. There was also something so satisfying about figuring out where all the Tetris pieces fit together.
What was your favorite thing about being a child, and do you try to hold onto that spirit as an adult?
One of my favorite things about being a child was seeing the world as this magical place. I remember being fascinated by so many things around me. I thought it was amazing that people could flip a switch and turn on the sun! As I got older and learned how things actually worked, I found them even more extraordinary. I fell in love with science, reading, and learning as much as I could about everything. I still try to hold onto that same sense of wonder.
What was your favorite meal or dish that your family would make, and do you still enjoy it today?
I've always loved spaghetti. As a child, I thought the long noodles were so much fun to eat. Even today, spaghetti is still one of my favorite comfort foods.
What was the most challenging experience you faced as a child, and how did you overcome it?
Growing up between two cultures, one of my biggest challenges was figuring out how those different parts of my identity fit together. As I got older, I began to appreciate that I didn't have to choose one over the other. Both have shaped who I am and helped me find purpose in understanding different perspectives and bringing people together.
What advice would you give to your younger self, based on what you've learned throughout your life so far?
Life doesn't always go the way you expect, and that's okay. Some of the greatest lessons come from the people we meet along the way. Take time to listen, keep learning, and appreciate those who help you grow. Make room for joy, embrace the unexpected, and remember that we don't have to walk the journey alone.
Biography
Talia joined Voices for Utah Children in October 2026 as the Revenue and Taxation Policy Analyst. She brings a background in community economic development, economic mobility, and building partnerships that connect public resources with community needs.
Before joining Voices, Talia served as Economic Development Director for San Juan County, where she worked with Tribal leadership, local businesses, educators, and community organizations to support entrepreneurship, strengthen workforce pathways, and expand access to resources.
Her work included coordinating grant-funded programs and bringing partners together to address barriers affecting families’ economic stability. She also participates in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, collaborating with regional leaders to address shared community challenges and strengthen partnerships across sectors. Based in southeastern Utah, Talia brings a rural perspective to her statewide work. She values listening to diverse communities and working collaboratively to support policies and public investments that help children and families thrive throughout Utah.
