SheTech Interns Interview Diane Acevedo
Diane Acevedo, SVP at Gabb Wireless (Lehi, UT) shares her insights about resilience and leadership, advocating for safe tech use among youth, and building resilient systems that support teams and families.
People & Culture
From Grit to Gabb: Diane Acevedo's Journey to Empower Kids and Reshape Tech Culture
Diane Acevedo, Senior Vice President of Operations at Gabb Wireless, has overcome significant personal challenges to become a key leader in one of Utah's most mission-driven tech companies. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to family and purpose. We sat down with Diane to learn how her life experiences shaped her values, why Gabb's mission resonates so deeply with her, and how she’s building a culture of support, efficiency, and healthy tech habits.
Born in Puerto Rico, Diane moved to Florida at age 12. She recalls the culture shock and adversity she experienced as a Latina adjusting to a new environment. "This was my first time being exposed to diversity—and to racism. I had a thick accent and felt marginalized. It was tough," she said. Her parents divorced when she was 14, and her father struggled with addiction. Her mother’s courage and resourcefulness became a model for Diane’s own strength.
“I grew up really poor. But my mom always said that no matter your circumstances, you can succeed. I still carry that with me today. Even when I feel fear or doubt, I push through and solve the problem. That instinct came from her."
Breaking the Cycle with Education
After converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in high school, Diane moved to Utah to attend UVU. She married young, had four children, and worked full-time while raising them. When her marriage ended after 16 years, she found herself juggling parenthood, work, and an MBA program.
“I was working 65 hours a week, going to school at night, and cleaning offices late to make ends meet. My kids and I were mourning a divorce, and I was in a dark place. But I knew education was our ticket out. I refused to let the cycle repeat."
She earned her master’s degree from UVU in 2018 at age 34. "Everyone else seemed younger, with fewer responsibilities. But I had grit. I bet on myself—and on my kids. They are my world."
Finding Purpose at Gabb Wireless
Diane wasn’t looking for a new job when she met the founder of Gabb Wireless. "I loved my job at the time. But as a single mom, I had firsthand experience with how too much technology was affecting kids. The mission resonated with me."
She joined initially as a consultant and became an official employee four months later. Today, she leads Gabb’s operations, helping scale the company while maintaining its mission to protect kids from the negative effects of smart tech.
“When I started, everything was outsourced. I brought operations in-house to help us run lean and reduce overhead. Later, I created a division focused on customer feedback in product development, which helped reduce bugs by 180%."
Leading with Strategy and Heart
Despite having no telecom experience, Diane has consistently applied her gift for problem-solving and optimization. "My creativity comes alive in spreadsheets," she jokes. "I love puzzles. It’s about aligning resources to what the company needs—building efficient, scalable systems."
Her leadership style emphasizes resourcefulness, empathy, and strategic thinking. "I don’t consider myself very creative in the traditional sense. But I thrive on structure, improvement, and solving complex problems. That’s where I find fulfillment."
Advocating for Healthy Tech Habits
Diane is passionate about using technology for good. "We all love tech, but it’s becoming an unhealthy attachment—especially for teens. Girls, in particular, are experiencing more anxiety and self-harm due to social media."
She practices what she preaches. "I haven’t had social media on my phone since December. It started as a workplace challenge, and I decided not to go back. I’m less anxious now."
At work, she’s intentional about focus. "From 9 to 1, my phone’s on Do Not Disturb. If my kids need me, they call Gabb. It helps me stay present and prioritize deep thinking."
Building a Culture of Support
Diane attributes her success to the people who believed in her—and she pays it forward.
“I didn’t get here alone. Support and love helped me succeed. But support is two-way. Don’t just take—bring value to others’ lives. That mindset has shaped my journey."
She’s passionate about helping others build confidence and resilience. "That’s what changed the trajectory of my life. I want others to feel empowered, too."
To learn more about Gabb Wireless and its mission to create safe tech for kids, visit gabb.com.
For resources on teen mental health and digital wellness, explore the Utah Adolescent Health Report, Utah Social Media Education and the resources on the Promise2Live website.
Lisa Kimball and Bree O’Connor are SheTech Media Interns for 2024-2025, an experience providing them with both networking opportunities and journalism experience. Their articles are published on TechBuzz News, Silicon Slopes, and in other media channels. Lisa and Bree have the opportunity to meet and communicate about Women Tech Awards finalists and their technological contributions.
Lisa and Bree are also SheTech Student Board members and SheTech club presidents at their schools. Lisa is a senior at Green Canyon High School in North Logan. In addition to her SheTech involvement, she is also on the CAPSA Youth Council. Bree is a senior at Grantsville High School. She enjoys swimming with the Grantsville High swim team.