Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

About

Amalia Moreno-Damgaard is an award-winning author, chef, speaker, and storyteller, and the founder of Amalia Latin Gourmet | Culture Through Cuisine. Born and raised in Guatemala, she brings a global lens to leadership, shaped by a prior career in international banking and extensive global travel, and uses food, heritage, and lived experience to foster connection, cultural intelligence, and inclusive thinking in today’s business environment.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America, and holding a Master’s degree in International Business from Saint Louis University, Amalia bridges culinary arts with business strategy. She partners with Fortune-ranked corporations, universities, and organizations nationwide to deliver transformative experiences that connect culture and leadership. Her work has been featured on national media, including National Geographic, PBS, The New York Times, and the Star Tribune, and she is a regular contributor to Twin Cities television and radio.

Amalia’s leadership extends beyond the kitchen. She is a former President of NAWBO-MN, co-founder of Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota, and a trusted voice in advancing women in business and community leadership. She is honored to join the University of Minnesota Executive Education Women in Leadership program, where she shares insights on leading with authenticity, navigating complexity, and building impact through culture and leadership.