My career has taken me from Guatemala to international banking, entrepreneurship, authorship, television, nonprofit leadership, and stages around the world. Each chapter has broadened my perspective and shaped the vision behind Culture Through Cuisine™.

Where My Perspective Began

I was born and raised in Guatemala, where my earliest lessons in leadership came not from a boardroom, but from my grandmother, Mélida—a resilient entrepreneur and artisan cook whom I consider my North Star. In her specialty store and during time spent on my great-grandfather’s dairy farm and coffee plantation, I learned the value of hard work, service, curiosity, and bringing people together. Around the table, stories were shared, trust was built, and traditions connected generations—long before I recognized these as leadership principles.

Those experiences sparked a lifelong curiosity about people, cultures, and the ways they shape how we live, work, and lead.

From International Banking to Entrepreneurship

My first career took me into international banking, where I developed expertise in business development, international trade finance, and relationship management while working across cultures and global markets. That experience, combined with entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and travel across all seven continents, shaped the global perspective that defines my work today. It also reinforced a lesson that continues to guide me: business is ultimately about people.

My perspective is grounded in both experience and education. I hold a master’s degree in international business and am a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, the Culinary Institute of America’s Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program, and the National Speakers Association’s Speakers Academy.

Together, these experiences inspired me to create Culture Through Cuisine™—my signature methodology using food, storytelling, and shared experiences to expand perspective, develop cultural intelligence, build trust, and strengthen leadership across cultures.

Culture Through Cuisine™

Over the past two decades, I have grown Amalia | Culture Through Cuisine™ into a nationally recognized leadership and cultural intelligence consulting firm. Today, I partner with Fortune-ranked companies, nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and professional associations seeking to strengthen leadership and thrive in an interconnected world.

Whether delivering keynote presentations, advising executive teams, facilitating strategic conversations, or creating immersive experiences, I challenge assumptions, broaden perspective, and create lasting organizational impact.

Author and Media Voice

I am the author of two internationally award-winning cookbooks celebrating the cultures and culinary traditions of Latin America. Through my books, speaking, advisory work, and recurring media contributions, I translate culture into practical leadership insights that resonate with diverse audiences.

I regularly share these perspectives on CBS Minnesota, Twin Cities Live, Minnesota Live, KARE 11, FOX 9, PBS, and MPR News. My work has also been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, The Minnesota Star Tribune, The New York Times, and Midwest Living, extending the reach of Culture Through Cuisine™ beyond the keynote stage.

Leadership in Action

Leadership, for me, extends beyond my business. As the first Latina President of NAWBO Minnesota, I championed strategic initiatives, including Women Ignite!, launched during my presidency in collaboration with MEDA. The initiative continues to strengthen Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnership.

I also co-founded Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota, establishing a lasting community for women business owners, and continue to serve on nonprofit boards dedicated to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities.

My work has received national and international recognition, including the NAWBO National Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, National Immigrant Spirit Award, SBA Minnesota Women in Business Champion of the Year Award, WomenVenture Catalyst Award, Latino Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award, multiple Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, and more. These honors reflect a career dedicated to entrepreneurship, cultural understanding, community leadership, and philanthropy.

Leadership Begins with Understanding People

When we expand our perspective, develop cultural intelligence, and approach one another with curiosity, we build stronger leaders, organizations, and communities. That is the vision behind Culture Through Cuisine™—expanding how leaders think, build trust, and lead across cultures.

Let’s start a conversation about bringing Culture Through Cuisine™ to your organization.