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Nova Evenson, Gabb Wireless' "Kid CEO for the Day," poses for a photo in the Gabb Wireless office in Lehi on Tuesday, Dec. 3. 2024.

Courtesy Gabb Wireless

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Nova Evenson, Gabb Wireless' "Kid CEO for the Day," listens to a report given by one of Gabb's executives Tuesady, Dec. 3, 2024.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Gabb Wireless leaders and the Evenson family pose for a photo at Kiln inside the Gabb Wireless building on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Pictured, from left, are Lori Kun, Nova Evenson, Nate Randle, Nova's little brother, Angel Evenson and Eric Evenson.

Courtesy Gabb Wireless

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9-year-old Nova Evenson, right, and Lori Kun, left, admire an image promoting a playlist inspired by Nova during a "Kid CEO for the Day" event at Kiln inside of the Gabb Wireless building in Lehi on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Nova Evenson, Gabb Wireless' "Kid CEO for the Day," poses for a photo in the Gabb Wireless office in Lehi on Tuesday, Dec. 3. 2024.

Courtesy Gabb Wireless

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It’s not every day a 9-year-old gets to say they’re the boss at a fast-growing technology company.

But for Nova Evenson, it’s an experience she’ll likely carry with her for years to come.

Nova, along with her mother, Angel, and dad, Eric, flew across the country from southwest Florida to the offices of Lehi-based Gabb Wireless to be the honoree during the company’s second annual “Kid CEO for the Day” on Dec. 3.

“I wasn’t expecting anything like that. The people made it so great,” Nova said about the experience.

Angel Evenson said she and Nova’s dad had to keep the news a surprise as Gabb’s actual CEO Nate Randle wanted to deliver the news to her himself.

“So we kept it quiet for a couple weeks, and then they got to ask her, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile that big,” Angel Evenson told the Daily Herald.

Nova enjoys music, writing, red pandas and her pet cat.

She was gifted a Gabb Watch 3 last Christmas after a traumatizing incident at school in which she was bullied by two students.

Angel said that, initially, the thought of buying her daughter any sort of smart device was nerve-wracking and warranted a great deal of caution.

Like most parents of young children, the Evensons grappled with the question of whether Nova was the appropriate age to have a phone or a watch, and wondered how they could be sure the device wouldn’t be an unwanted distraction.

“We felt like she was at the age where she was responsible enough to at least have a watch, and then she wouldn’t have to keep track of where she set it down,” Angel Evenson said. “I love that the watch was available and that it was primarily safe and that she could access what we allowed her to access, that was a really big deal.”

Gabb specializes in kid-friendly phones and watches that come without an internet browser, ultimately meaning no social media, and peace of mind for parents.

Nova’s parents also felt it was important to supply her with a way to stay connected with family members, especially after such a horrific experience.

“They actually broke my rib, and that was sad,” Nova explained of the incident.

The act of violence led to heartbreak and worry for Angel after her daughter told her what had happened.

Though Nova didn’t have the device at this time, she said her daughter displayed bravery by letting the couple know what she had faced.

“Because after that happened, she started receiving letters and gifts and all of that, and it really lifted her spirits to have those letters coming from family, and we wanted her to continue having that.” Angel Evenson told the Daily Herald.

That family connection was another reason the Evensons got Nova the Gabb watch. In fact, the very first text message the youngster sent was to her grandfather, or “Papa,” who just recently passed away.

Nova cherished the meaningful message and was devastated at one point when she thought his response was deleted off her device, but fortunately was restored.

During her trip to Utah, Nova pitched a campaign to collect everyone’s favorite text messages from their families and friends, inspired by her treasured messages with her Papa.

Additionally, the 9-year-old led a company meeting with executives who shared goals and successes of the year, during which Nova had to “approve” their reports. She also sat in on product brainstorming sessions and discussions on safe tech for kids.

Nova also participated in a service project fulfilling gift wishes and providing free, safe tech for the nonprofit Utah Parent Center’s holiday program for kids with disabilities facing financial challenges.

In its second year of the campaign, Gabb’s Kid CEO for the Day aims to connect the safe-tech company with families and children and is designed to inspire young leaders by giving them an immersive, hands-on experience in corporate leadership.

“It’s one of our most favorite days of the year, I would say,” Lori Morency Kun, Gabb vice president of community impact, told the Daily Herald.

She said the company’s core mission is to help protect children from online harms and alleviate anxiety and stress from parents who debate whether or not it’s a good idea to allow their children to have a phone or watch.

“Parents are having more and more challenges in the digital world that they’re having to navigate with their kids,” Kun explained.

She says Gabb is not “anti-tech” but instead “tech at the right time.”

Kun said she was drawn to Nova for her upbeat personality, demeanor and seemingly strong leadership qualities.

The company also celebrated Nova with a special playlist on Gabb Music+ titled Boss Beats. It features a collection of inspiring, uplifting and empowering songs from across the family-friendly Gabb Music streaming catalog.

Real Gabb CEO Randle commented on Nova’s daylong adventure, saying she left a lasting impact on the team.

“Nova’s Gabb Watch connects her with her family and provides support during tough challenges, but she is the hero of her story. She has exemplified bravery and great leadership,” Randle said in a press release.

Nova has since changed schools away from where the bullying occurrence took place last fall.

While she is still prohibited from fully using the watch at her current school, she finds joy in utilizing the device while she’s out on bike rides in her neighborhood and keeping in contact with family who live out of state.

“Seeing an entire organization rally around my daughter and all children and place what’s best for them at the forefront means everything to me as a mom,” Angel Evenson said.

And who knows? Just because her tenure as CEO in the Beehive State only lasted for one day, the experience could be the catalyst for Nova’s future career.

“I love Utah. There’s so many cool things … like the mountains. You can see the mountains technically everywhere you go,” Nova said.