Today’s real-life Wonder Woman is a nine-time award-winning author and chef-entrepreneur. Amalia Moreno-Damgaard is the founder of Amalia, LLC, a nationally certified woman-owned business that helps corporations develop a broader understanding and appreciation of Latin cultural nuances through consulting, bilingual speaking and writing, and healthy gourmet culinary experiences. She is also the founder and president of Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that fosters women entrepreneurship through mentoring and leadership education.
Her best-selling book, Amalia’s Guatemalan Kitchen–Gourmet Cuisine with a Cultural Flair, is a personal memoir and recipe collection designed to encourage and empower people to explore new foods and cook more fresh meals at home for health and wellness. At the core, Amalia’s style is fresh, practical, healthy, and proudly Latin American, blending pre-Columbian and classic French techniques with her Guatemalan-Spanish roots. I’ll just say it…this woman can cook!
Amalia is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and a member of the National Speakers Association with a Masters in International Business from St. Louis University. If she looks familiar, maybe you’ve seen her on TV. She’s a regular guest on Twin Cities Live and has been featured on Fox9, Kare11, Univision-MN, and most recently on Twin Cities Public Television PBS.
I’m honored to introduce you to Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, this week’s Real-Life Wonder Woman!
KR: Can you tell us what brings you joy and fulfillment?
AM-D: Peace of mind and family. My two cats, Tigresa and Guapo. Doing what I love –traveling and learning and sharing my experiences with others.
KR: I know you like to travel and do it often. How many continents have you visited?
AM-D: I lead culinary groups that travel from the United States to Guatemala and have visited more than 75 countries in six continents, and am striving to visit all seven.
KR: I believe we all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?
AM-D: Relentless resiliency and patience. I consider these some of my stronger gifts.
KR: I like that…relentless resiliency. Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
AM-D: My maternal grandmother. She has been my life’s inspiration in being good and pure of heart. As an excellent cook, she inspired me to do what I love. She continues to watch over me from heaven. I feel her presence often in the joy I experience, especially when I am in my happy place –the kitchen.
KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
AM-D: Having the wisdom to do good for others all the time.
KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
AM-D: Relax, use time wisely, educate yourself, identify what brings you joy and passion. Put that purpose to work early in life.
Learn more about Amalia at AmaliaLLC.com