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30 Women to Watch 2024

Darci Piz | 30 Women to Watch 2024

30 Women to Watch 2024
Darci Piz | Photographed by Beka Price Photography

VP, Marketing | VLCM

/in/darcipiz

Darci Piz’s journey in the IT industry started over 20 years ago at Marketstar, where she quickly found that she enjoyed the complexity of IT and had a knack for helping channel partners thrive in the channel-led sales model many of the IT manufacturers operate in. She rose up the ranks from her starting position as sales team coordinator to managing a team of 10 employees who were responsible for growing the business of over 300 Hewlett Packard Enterprise channel partners across the country. Fast-forward to today and Darci has now spent over a decade steering VLCM’s marketing endeavors to new heights. She’s had a direct hand in growing the business yearly and helping provide a foundation that has doubled VLCM’s sales team and market reach. Her goal remains steadfast: to demystify technology for businesses and help them leverage it as a catalyst for growth and efficiency.

What advice would you give to young women looking to succeed in your field?

Embrace your unique perspective. The technology industry, while evolving, can still feel like uncharted territory for many women. Your perspective brings diversity of thought, creativity and innovation to the table. Be bold and assertive. Speak up in meetings, present your ideas confidently and don’t be deterred by setbacks. Boldness isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about being clear, direct and unapologetic for your ambitions and contributions. Remember, it’s not just about having a seat at the table — it’s about making sure your voice is heard when you’re there. Advocate for yourself and others. As you climb the ladder, don’t forget to extend your hand to those coming up behind you. Be a champion for diversity and inclusion within your organization. Finally, while a career is important, finding a balance that allows you to enjoy life outside of work is crucial. A well-rounded life fuels your professional energy and creativity. 

What community projects or charity work are you involved in, and why are they important to you?

For the past 10 years, I’ve been actively involved with the VLCM Foundation, the charitable arm of our company. The foundation is dedicated to supporting various charitable organizations across Utah, with a strong focus on K-12 education foundations for several school districts and providing both IT assistance and financial donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This involvement is deeply important to me because it reflects our commitment to giving back to our community and supporting vital causes. By aiding educational institutions, we invest in the future of our youth. Through our support of cancer research and care, we contribute to the fight against a disease that affects so many. This blend of educational and medical assistance embodies our belief in the power of technology and community support to create positive change.

Mekenna is the editor of Utah Business magazine and a graduate of the print journalism program at Utah State University. She has written about business, music and culture for publications like Business Insider, Time Out, SLUG Magazine, Visit Salt Lake and the Standard-Examiner. She loves hiking, thrifting, reading and going on camping trips with her partner in their 1986 Land Cruiser.