Marina, an individual of many talents, has a rich background in research, public speaking, program design, and community engagement. Notably, she is the visionary founder of marketcityTO, an initiative that unites diverse stakeholders to unlock the power of public markets in Toronto. Her academic achievements include a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Buenos Aires and a Master's in Environmental Studies, specializing in Social & Community Planning from York University, Toronto.


Marina's family immigrated from Argentina in 2002. She began her food journey as an entrepreneur, making empanadas at the FoodShare Toronto Incubator program and selling them at farmers' markets across the city. She then worked at Evergreen Canada as a Senior Project Manager leading the Evergreen Brick Works Public Markets and Food Program. Her involvement with the Toronto Food Policy Council dates back to 2015 where she established the first Public Markets Working Group. Her expertise and contributions allowed her to speak at the prestigious 10th International Public Markets Conference in London in 2019 and Toronto in 2023.


In 2020, Marina demonstrated her strategic planning and coordination skills by successfully securing Toronto's participation in the Market Cities Initiative, a groundbreaking project led by Project for Public Spaces. Her pivotal role in coordinating research and engagement activities led to the creation of the first City of Toronto Public Markets Map and an International Report, marking a significant milestone in Toronto's public markets landscape.

In 2021, Marina joined the St. Lawrence Market Precinct Advisory Committee and was crucial in securing the 11th International Public Market Conference for Toronto. In 2023, she dedicated her efforts to implementing the conference, focusing on Toronto's markets and volunteer program, securing partnerships at various levels, and leading fundraising endeavours. Additionally, Marina championed the advocacy efforts that resulted in the City of Toronto declaring a yearly Toronto Public Markets Week and Council’s motion to develop the City of Toronto Pubic Markets Action Plan, first in Canada and North America.

Marina's dedication to sustainability and social justice is evident in her design and execution of the Scarborough Fresh Food Pilot. For her exceptional community work, Marina was honoured with the Canada 150 Outstanding Neighbour award. In summary, Marina's passion for food, public markets, and community motivates her to find ways to collaborate with other practitioners toward a common goal: a robust regional food economy and a more inclusive place for everyone.