Dedicated to connection
A Matter of Taste is a women-owned and Seattle-based collective offering tasting and learning experiences designed to celebrate, connect, and collaborate.
Our mission is to craft strategic learning experiences that drive meaningful change for teams and communities.
Founded on the principle that shared sensory experiences are a powerful catalyst for growth, we bring together a unique network of experts in culinary innovation, sensory science, and organizational leadership.
"Joanna and Jennifer are so knowledgable and take care to engage everyone throughout the event!" -Shri R.
The Founders
Connected over the shared obsession of changing mindsets through appreciation of fine flavor.
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Founder
Joanna Lepore Dwyer, our resident food scientist and chocolate expert, is a product developer, sensory scientist, and experiential designer. With a certificate in sensory science from The Institute of Food Technologists and 20 years of experience in fine pastry and chocolate making—including nearly a decade as Theo Chocolate's head of Product Development—Joanna specializes in creating high-touch, flavor-driven engagements that activate learning. She is passionate about creating sensory experiences that encourage connections between individuals and their environments. Her work with AMOT complements her specialty food commercialization consultancy work, helping new brands bring intentional products to market.
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Founder
Jennifer Diamond, our curriculum designer and resident tea and spice “nose,” is a seasoned management consultant, educator, and facilitator with deep expertise in change leadership, innovation strategy, and team transformation. With over 30 years of experience in change delivery and a lifelong affinity for fine flavors, Jennifer is certified in a wide range of strategic disciplines (PMP, RMP, NPDP, LFA, Prosci CCMP, ILFI Biophilic Design) and holds a Level 1 certification from the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting. She helps leaders and organizations navigate complex transitions and sustain high performance through her change leadership boutique, Maypop Grove.
Our Experience Partners
To provide the depth and breadth each team needs, we draw on our collective of experience partners. This includes specialists like Juanita Unger, founder of The NA Sommelier, who provides non-alcoholic hospitality and bar development consultation, ensuring our beverage experiences are second to none.
Our community-based collaborative approach allows us to design and deliver deeply customized, high-impact engagements that meet the unique needs of every client.
A snapshot of our community in action!
The AMOT Workshop Four-Part Framework
Our tasting experiences integrate food science methodologies with group learning models to engage all the senses. Tasting with all the Senses (™) creates a shared language for exploring complex team dynamics, decision-making styles, and creative problem-solving.
Our four-part framework serves as the foundation for deeply tailored experiences:
Mindful Orientation – Establishing a shared starting point through sensory activities that spark curiosity and trust.
Guided Learning – Facilitating dynamic exercises that challenge perspectives, enhance communication, and build adaptability.
Discovery by Doing– Encouraging hands-on collaboration to uncover insights that apply directly to your team’s challenges and opportunities.
Fostering Action – Ensuring the experience translates into real-world strategies, with tools and frameworks for sustained impact.