Empowering People
JK believes that strong communities are built when all people are empowered to lead, thrive, and succeed. Throughout his career and public service, JK has championed policies and initiatives that support diversity in business, education, healthcare, and civic leadership. He understands that when everyone has equal opportunity and a strong voice at the table, families and neighborhoods flourish. JK is committed to creating pathways for all to excel, ensuring Park City remains a place where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender—can reach their full potential.
“Breaking of the Glass Ceiling Dinner”
Feb 26, 2022 - JK hosted the “Breaking of the Glass Ceiling Dinner” at the Christie Estate in Bald Eagle honoring Tana Toly and Nann Worel. His invited guests included: Tana Toly, Melana Stevens, Margret Plane, Margret Olsen, Teri Orr, Betsy Wallace, Liz Fields, Nann Worel, Ashley Sidman Natalie, Tonya and Leah.
Mayor Nann Worel awarded “Breaking of The Glass Ceiling memento’s to JK’s wife Nancy (a neckless) and to JK (a paper weight) while stating, “JK is my hero, I would never have been elected Mayor without him and his tireless support."
Vanina with Momma and Nancy in front of house
Back in 2008, Nancy and JK “Johnny” Kenworthy were looking for a house keeper and they had a guest unit attached to their home in Old Town
They offered me an exchange of housekeeping services for the rent of the guest unit for my daughter, my husband and me. Time went by and I decided that the best option was to continue my life was as a single mom. My daughter became my pillar and my strength. Nancy and JK were always by our side, giving much support and advice. As a single mother with no family in this country everything was very challenging. I always held on to the certainty that "Good things happen to good people.”
I was from Argentina on a J1 visa and JK had developed a housing campus under the dam for J1’s so when he asked if I wanted to go to Heber for a ride, I thought we were heading there. . On our way to Heber, JK talked about home ownership and how home mortgages worked here in America. He went on to say that the sooner you get into home ownership the better my life would be here. He turned right and weaved behind the bowling alley in Heber which led to a beautiful townhome that backed up to open space. Of course I loved it but…I had zero money after the divorce?
John “JK” Kenworthy walked me though the home and when we got to the basement he said he thought I could rent just the basement portion of this home for the mortgage money. He suggested I get a couple of gals to live here with me and Sophie and then I could even expand my solo housekeeping business too. My head was spinning cause I had NO money and then he told me that Nancy and him had discussed it and they believed in me and they would loan me the whole down payment ($30,000.00) and do whatever else was needed to buy this beautiful townhome. In fact I could just work off the 30k down payment - for as long as it takes, “no worries". JK was sure that the interest rates we could get would be low enough so that the basement rental would cover the mortgage. He showed me the payments, including taxes and insurance. I started to cry. No one in my life had ever believed in me except my mother back in Argentina. Now JK and Nancy were going to buy me a home and teach me how to make it work - as a single mother. Still today I cannot believe it but it is true.
My daughter Sophie and I moved into the Heber townhome. Today, 17 years later, my new husband Max and our two boys live in this home - “my home", and it is worth $600-700k.. Johnny and Nancy are my big angels.
JK won the election because the community lvoes him. He sees us, he cares, and he takes action.
I am now working for PC High School as the school’s Outreach Coordinator and working on my master’s in Social Work. I work with all the children giving them all the resources to provide them for a successful life. No one would have ever known how Johnny and Nancy have blessed my life if I didnt have this opportunity to work for these beautiful people.
I pray and hope that JK “Johnny" and Nancy see my life as I promised - to pay their kindness and support forward.
W/Love,
Vanina Torreyra
Heber
In support of John Kenworthy (JK) for Park City Council
When I was young, JK and Nancy were there for me and my family in a way no one else had been. They took a real interest in me, someone outside their culture, offering their time, support, and care. Nancy even recommended and brought books for me to read. That made them different. They really cared about me.
JK and Nancy not only attended my quinceanera, they helped sponsor it. When I became the first in my family to be accepted into college, they took me to Salt Lake to buy clothes so I’d feel confident and special before I left. Last year, I graduated from the University of Utah with a 3.6 GPA.
They never asked for recognition, but I want people to know that without their belief in me, I’m not sure where I’d be. JK and Nancy are truly special to my community.
Litzy Flores
JK hosted the 2023 & 2024 Intermountain Championship Powwow at his River’s Edge Resort and brought 15 tribes together. These events, organized by Cultural Fire Events, featured native dancing, drumming, food, and art, bringing together indigenous communities and offering cultural enrichment for the area.
A special shoutout to the Powwow committee for their dedication to our Native community and for showing tremendous leadership throughout the weekends. Thank you to the amazing team at the River’s Edge Campground for all of their support and for hosting the powwow on their beautiful grounds.