Sui Lang L. Panoke has been named senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Zions Bank. In this role, she is responsible for directing a strategic vision and comprehensive DEI strategy, and delivering a plan of action to promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the bank and the communities it serves.
With two decades of experience as a speaker, consultant and advocate for social, racial and economic equality, Panoke’s social impact work has focused on diversifying political leadership and democratizing the media landscape by amplifying the voices of women, people of color, and emerging young leaders.
Panoke founded the global training organization Rethink International, where she coached leaders in politics, business, government, higher education, nonprofits, international non-governmental organizations, and the media on topics including global leadership, diversity, inclusion, unconscious bias, personal empowerment and strategic communication.
In her role at Zions Bank, Panoke hopes to build upon the bank’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, identifying opportunities for growth and investing in people.
“Studies show diversity at all levels of an organization drives trust, high performance, and growth,” Panoke said. “More importantly, financial institutions play a critical role in achieving true economic inclusion in society.”
A community builder, Panoke serves on the board of trustees of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association, the advisory board of YWCA’s Real Women Run Utah, and is an ambassador for the Utah Women and Leadership Project.
Panoke received a master’s degree in public administration from American University and a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Utah. She lives in Salt Lake City with daughter, Kaleila, and red toy poodle, Rue.
