WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Utah’s long-standing relationship with Peru was celebrated at Utah Global Diplomacy’s annual Dining Around the World Gala on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. The event spotlighted Peruvian culture, music, and cuisine, while honoring prominent Utah-Peruvian leaders who have helped build lasting ties between Utah and Peru.
With an estimated Peruvian-Utah population of 40,000 to 50,000 individuals, Utah shares deep ties and a rich history with Peru. In 2023, local leaders launched the Peru-Utah Chamber of Commerce to facilitate increased trade and cultural connections. In 2024, Peru established a consulate office in downtown Salt Lake City to serve the Peruvian-Utahn population. In addition, the State of Utah has led trade missions to Peru, while religious and nonprofit organizations have sent humanitarian workers and missionaries to the country. Utah Global Diplomacy has also welcomed more than 56 Peruvian delegates to the state over the past five years.
Possibly the most notable connection between Utah and Peru is the Peruvian national drink, the Pisco Sour, which was invented by a Utah native. In 1915, Victor Vaughn Morris, a Salt Lake City native, moved to Peru and opened The Morris Bar, where he created the now-famous cocktail.
The Dining Around the World Gala began with a vibrant chocolate tasting exhibition, presented in partnership with PROMPERÚ, Peru’s official agency for trade and tourism. This unique experience brought together six esteemed Peruvian cacao producers, including Master Chocolatier and World Chocolate Champion Samir Giha, who showcased their artisanal creations and shared the rich stories behind Peru’s world-renowned cacao. The exhibition not only celebrated Peru’s culinary heritage but also served as a platform for building trade relationships, connecting Peruvian farmers with Utah-based food and beverage manufacturers to explore opportunities for sustainable cacao importation and collaboration.
During the event, five accomplished leaders were honored with the 2025 Utah Global Diplomacy Goodwill Ambassador Award:
Honorary Consul David & Krista Utrilla
David and Krista Utrilla have significantly strengthened the bonds between Peru and Utah through their business, culture, and community service efforts. Together, they have hosted numerous Peruvian delegations, facilitated trade missions, and supported educational exchanges—embodying a shared commitment to mutual understanding and collaboration.
David Utrilla, CEO of U.S. Translation Company, founded the company in 1995 and has led it to six Inc. 500/5000 appearances as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Recognized with numerous awards for his entrepreneurial success and community leadership, he serves on 16 boards across various sectors and served for 15 years as the Honorary Consul of Peru in Utah. His leadership continues to impact businesses, nonprofits, and international organizations.
Krista Utrilla, a distinguished violinist, studied at the University of Utah and the University of Maryland. Since 1993, she has been a vital member of the Ballet West Orchestra and also performs with Vivaldi by Candlelight, contributing significantly to Utah’s vibrant arts scene.
Humberto “Beto” Sanchez Conejo
Beto Conejo is an international multidisciplinary artist, community advocate, and human rights champion in Salt Lake City. With more than eight years of experience in public art and community-based projects, his work blends bold visual storytelling with deep cultural resonance.
Wilmer Arroyo
Originally from the coastal town of Malabrigo, Trujillo, Peru, Wilmer Arroyo has become a celebrated ambassador of Peruvian cuisine in Utah. After studying gastronomy at Cenfotur and working at sea for the Santa Shipping Company, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1992 and began his career in the restaurant industry. In 2010, alongside his son Frederick, he founded Del Mar al Lago Cebichería Peruana, now a cornerstone of Latin cuisine in the state.
Ernesto Apomayta Chambi
Receiving a lifetime achievement award, Ernesto Apomayta Chambi is a renowned artist whose journey to global acclaim is a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural fusion. Splitting his time between Lima, Peru and Bountiful, Utah, Ernesto has exhibited across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. With over 35 years of experience and more than a thousand artworks, he uses art to build cultural bridges and promote peace and connection.
The evening’s master of ceremonies, Clayton Thomas Kearl, is a Utah native who has become a prominent social media influencer in Peru under the handle “Gr3ngasho”—a playful slang term for foreigner. His deep connection to Peru began during his missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a remarkable effort to promote environmental awareness, Kearl ran 1,567 miles along the Peruvian coast, organizing community clean-up events and encouraging locals to “chapa tu basura” (“pick up your trash”)—a grassroots campaign for environmental responsibility.
“We were thrilled to recognize the long-standing relationship between Utah and Peru at this year’s Dining Around the World Gala,” said Utah Global Diplomacy President & CEO Felecia Maxfield-Barrett. “Our state has fostered deep cultural, religious, educational, and trade exchanges with Peru for over a century. Today, tens of thousands of Peruvians call Utah home—contributing to the beautiful and diverse tapestry that makes Utah the welcoming state we all enjoy.”
ABOUT UTAH GLOBAL DIPLOMACY: Utah Global Diplomacy is dedicated to fostering respect and understanding between Utah residents and individuals from around the world. This mission is carried out through citizen diplomacy—the belief that every individual has the right and responsibility to shape U.S. foreign relations through personal connections. Utah Global Diplomacy advances these efforts through International Exchange Programs (in partnership with the U.S. State Department), World Affairs Lectures, Dialogues & Conversations, and the Young Diplomats of Utah program. To join the Utah Global Diplomacy community, visit www.utahglobaldiplomacy.org or email info@utahglobaldiplomacy.org.
ABOUT PROMPERÚ: PROMPERÚ is a Peruvian government agency dedicated to fostering international trade, investment, and tourism. The agency supports Peruvian businesses seeking to expand their global presence by connecting them with strategic partners and businesses in the United States of America as they seek to expand and collaborate with Peru. Additionally, PROMPERÚ facilitates opportunities for both international and domestic investors interested in exploring the dynamic market in Peru. For more information, please visit: www.promperu.us