In the vibrant landscape of food entrepreneurship, narratives of perseverance and accomplishment illuminate the journey of those who dare to dream big. At the forefront of this narrative stands Margarita Womack, the visionary founder and CEO of MasPanadas, whose recent accolades from The Latin Times is just the latest in a long line of successes in her extraordinary career. Margarita sat down with The Latin Times to tell her story.
In her insightful interview, Margarita recounted a remarkable journey that began in Colombia, where her family made the courageous decision to flee the turmoil wrought by the FARC Guerilla group while Margarita was still in college studying biology. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Margarita's path towards resilience and success. Margarita went on to pursue her PhD in Biology from Tulane University in Louisiana, a journey that equipped her with critical thinking skills that would prove invaluable in her subsequent culinary career. Her academic background not only provided her with a solid foundation but also instilled in her the ability to approach challenges with a strategic and analytical mindset, essential qualities for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in the food industry.
However, Margarita's journey was far from linear. Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit and a deep-rooted love for food that came from working in her father's restaurant as a child, Margarita embarked on a new adventure—founding MasPanadas. In her interview, she shared the pivotal role played by Union Kitchen in her company's success. Margarita credited Union Kitchen for providing essential support, including financing through investment, access to equipment, and strategic business planning. Through this partnership, Margarita was able to transform her passion into a thriving business, bringing delicious empanadas to eager customers across the nation.
As we celebrate Margarita's being named "CEO of the Year" by The Latin Times, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and community support in realizing entrepreneurial dreams. We encourage food entrepreneurs and local business enthusiasts alike to delve into Margarita's interview, where her wisdom and insights offer invaluable lessons for aspiring innovators in the culinary world.