Amber DiGiovanni, chief executive officer of The Wonder Dog LLC in Kansas City, Missouri, is a dynamic force in the culinary and philanthropic world, known for her drive to succeed and her affection for dogs. As a professional speaker, executive chef, author, and philanthropist, she has carved out a unique space, blending her love for culinary arts with her mission to help shelter dogs find forever homes. Ms. DiGiovanni’s journey to success is one of achievement as well as resilience, shaped by a past that could have broken her, but instead fueled her tenacity and drive. She founded multiple businesses, including DiGiovanni Publishing, which she has owned since 2004, and has held various prestigious positions, including executive chef at Lake Regional Health System and culinary director at Compass Center for Creative Leadership. These roles honed her skills in managing teams and executing large-scale projects, laying the foundation for her to launch her own ventures.
Even with her success in the culinary industry, Ms. DiGiovanni’s heart has always been with animals, particularly shelter dogs. Her close bond with animals was inspired by her beloved dog Simon, who spent three long years in a no-kill shelter before she adopted him. Determined to give Simon the best life possible, she began cooking for him, crafting meals that extended his life expectancy far beyond expectations. This experience led to the creation of her book, “Dining With the Dog-Ma!,” which shares recipes and insights into canine nutrition to educate pet owners on how to improve their dogs’ health through food. Through her work with Simon, Ms. DiGiovanni discovered the profound connection between food and well-being, not just for humans but for our four-legged friends as well.
Ms. DiGiovanni’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond sharing her knowledge. She founded America for Rescue Dogs: The Canine Hero Fund, the first scholarship in the country dedicated to search and rescue dogs. This initiative supports the training and care of dogs in public service, an endeavor inspired by her own traumatic childhood. When she was just eight years old, Ms. DiGiovanni witnessed her father’s attempt to murder her mother. This event would later lead to her diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, in her twenties. Despite the darkness of her past, Ms. DiGiovanni refuses to let it define her. Instead, she channels her experiences into her work, determined to create a society where people and animals thrive.
Ms. DiGiovanni is a fierce advocate for mental health and empowerment, regularly speaking on these topics at events. Her keynote, “Become Your Dog’s Best Friend, both in the Kitchen and Beyond the Bowl,” draws on her personal journey, blending her expertise in canine nutrition with her passion for assisting others in reconnecting with their inner child and healing from past trauma. Another keynote, currently in development, will focus on her childhood and how she overcame it, titled “Into the Light, Become Not Just a Survivor, but a Thriver!”
In addition to her work in the kitchen and on stage, Ms. DiGiovanni is a two-time nominee for Woman of the Year in Oklahoma City, showing her profound impact on her community. She has been featured on television shows such as “The Blox” and “American Pickers” and has made appearances on major networks like Fox, NBC, and PBS, spreading her message of hope. Ms. DiGiovanni has her sights set on even greater heights. She aspires to deliver TEDx talks, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and the lessons she has learned along the way. Her vision board, a daily reminder of her goals, is filled with dreams of making the New York Times Best Sellers list and continuing to raise awareness for shelter dogs through her writing and speaking engagements. With her determination and belief in the law of attraction, she is confident these dreams will become reality.
Ms. DiGiovanni’s line of human-grade, canine-friendly spices and herbs is just one example of how she always creates with the greater good in mind. She has already chosen the next recipient of her Canine Hero Fund, Kansas City Retired Greyhounds as Pets, ensuring that her philanthropic efforts will continue to have a lasting impact. Whether cooking a meal for a dog who has been overlooked for years or speaking to an audience about the importance of resilience, she brings a level of care and dedication to her truly inspiring work.
In Ms. DiGiovanni’s words, she was “born on the sunny side of the street,” this positivity and determination propelled her progress over the years. Overcoming challenges that would have broken many, she presses onward in her quest to make the world a better place for people and dogs. As she continues to write, speak, and cook, Ms. DiGiovanni’s influence will no doubt continue to grow, inspiring others to find their own path to healing and success.