Argentina's
Best Empanadas
About
Ana immigrated from Argentina to Salt Lake City in 2000 where she has become a pivotal community leader over the past 23 years, impacting our community through her career in city planning and local advocacy. In 2019, She made history as the first Hispanic elected official in the history of the Salt Lake City, City Council. Ana founded "Argentina's Best Empanadas" at the Downtown Farmers Market in 2007 and opened her first shop in 2017. She further supported local entrepreneurs by co-founding Square Kitchen in 2018 and Square Kitchen Eatery in 2024.
During her five years on the council, including her tenure as Chair of the Redevelopment Agency, Ana secured $15 million for parks, over $20 million for affordable housing, and pioneered innovative mental health response models. Her work reflects a commitment to economic growth, green spaces, and inclusive governance.
She has been the recipient of several awards: Downtown Alliance: Downtown Creator Vasilios Priskos Award, Young Alumni Award from the College of Architecture and Planning U of U. Rising Star from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Utah Business Magazine: 30 women over 30, 40 women over Women 40. She has served on several boards: Dean's Council College of Architecture and Planning, Downtown Alliance, Granary District Board and co-founded the Utah Argentina Alliance.