Lorena Riffo-Jenson is the Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development, where she leads inclusive strategies that foster sustainable growth, cultural vibrancy, and economic opportunity for all residents. With extensive experience spanning government affairs, policy, marketing, legal, corporate recruitment, healthcare, and small business ownership, Lorena brings a multifaceted approach to empowering diverse communities.
She holds a Juris Doctor from BYU Law School, a Master of Public Health from the University of Utah, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Utah. She is also Board Chair of the Suazo Business Center, which supports minority and Latino entrepreneurs through accessible education and resources, including bilingual programming.
Lorena’s entrepreneurial background has shaped her commitment to valuing people, demonstrated during the 2008 recession when she and her business partner chose to reduce their own pay rather than lay off employees. Believing in the power of collective effort and inclusive leadership, she collaborates across sectors to strengthen Salt Lake City’s economic and cultural landscape.