Bilingual Multicultural Keynote Speaker

Latina Entrepreneur in Minnesota

Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, a Guatemalan native based in the Twin Cities with a prior career in international banking, is a distinguished culinary force, seamlessly merging business acumen with gastronomic artistry. An alumna of Le Cordon Bleu and The Culinary Institute of America’s CEIP Program, her expertise transcends crafting delectable dishes—it’s about reshaping narratives and fostering a profound appreciation of Latin cultural nuances. From pre-Columbian inspirations to classic French techniques, Amalia’s creations and message embody a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation, solidifying her position as a true culinary authority.

Amalia’s upbringing deeply informed her journey. She spent her childhood in the small town of Quezaltepeque, living with her grandmother Melida, a resilient entrepreneur and artisan cook who she considers her North Star. In her grandmother’s specialty goods store, Amalia learned the value of hard work and community service. The rich scents of her grandmother’s cooking and the experiences of her great-grandfather’s dairy cows and coffee plantation filled her early years with a profound appreciation for food and entrepreneurship. These early encounters instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and connection to her roots, which she carried with her when she moved to the United States.

Amalia’s influence extends beyond the kitchen, making her a sought-after speaker and media personality. Regular appearances on major TV and radio networks in the Twin Cities and beyond (CBS, Fox9, ABC, NBC, MPR) showcase her dedication to creating social impact through cultural understanding. She is part of the recent National Geographic TV series “World Eats Bread” and has been a judge on Super Bowl LII’s “Super Snack Challenge” and two seasons of PBS-North’s “The Great Minnesota Recipe.” Additionally, she has participated in Hispanic Top Chef, the PBS-Twin Cities series “Relish,” and is a host of “Así de Fácil” con Amalia on Telemundo Minnesota.

Amalia’s work and thought leadership have been recently featured on Forbes EQ BrandVoice, and as a contributor to The New York Times, Excelencias Gourmet, Volaris, Que Rica Vida, Midwest Living, and Revue Magazine.

As a spokesperson with an impact across diverse sectors, Amalia has represented brands from Crystal Farms’ Hispanic cheese line and Cocina Sabrosa Trade Expo to consulting for General Mills, Sabrosura Foods, Chocolate San Jose, and Minnesota Beef Council.

Her award-winning authorship, combined with her Signature Hispanic Heritage Month Speaking Events addressing the needs of Fortune 100-500 corporations’ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), universities, and professional organizations, has solidified her position as a trusted ambassador of Latin cuisine and culture internationally.

Her impact resonates not just in flavors but in shaping perceptions, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring positive change. Amalia’s travels across all seven continents uniquely inform her voice, enriching her cultural insights and allowing her to seamlessly connect with audiences worldwide. Her global experiences contribute to a universal message that transcends boundaries, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse traditions and fostering a sense of unity through the universal language of food.

Amalia is a graduate of the National Speakers Association Speaker’s Academy with a Master’s in International Business from St. Louis University and an alumna of the Cornell University-Bank of America Women’s Entrepreneurship Program.

She has made history as the first Latina president of the National Association of Women Business Owners Minnesota Chapter and has been honored as the Woman Business Owner of the Year on a national level. She co-founded Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (WeMN.org) and has earned multiple accolades. With a rich history of serving on 12 nonprofit boards and supporting 25 worthy causes, Amalia continues to refine and upgrade her craft.

At the intersection of culinary innovation and societal impact, Amalia’s work is marked by a deep sense of responsibility and intention, making a positive difference with passion and dedication.

Mission

To empower individuals and organizations, bridging awareness gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural nuances through healthy, traditional cuisine. We offer impactful speaking engagements, insightful consulting, and immersive gourmet experiences to provide businesses with a strategic approach to cultivate relevance, foster inclusion, and wield influence while authentically celebrating the richness of Latin culture.

Vision

To foster positive change and cultivate a relevant voice that champions unity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across diverse communities. Through impactful communication on spoken and written platforms, we aspire to inspire a shared vision of a more connected and harmonious world.

Value Proposition

We specialize in guiding businesses through cultural gaps and nurturing inclusive cultures via personalized transformative experiences, product innovation, and activities. We efficiently streamline corporate events, saving valuable time, while guaranteeing that each interaction becomes a memorable and enriching journey into the vibrant heart of Latin culture and tradition.