Feed Me the Facts

After a short winter break, we’re back with a rich conversation alongside food ethnographer and children’s book author June Jo Lee. June Jo studies how we eat, cook, and crave—using food as a lens to understand culture, identity, and belonging. Her work spans Korean kimchi factories to Google canteens, and she is the co-author of Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix and Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild. June also served as Resident Food Ethnographer for Google’s Global Food Program from 2014–2024 and is a TED Talk speaker on the topic of Our savory, spicy, significant relationship with food. In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we explore what food ethnography can offer nutrition and dietetics, and why listening to food stories matters for more inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to health. This episode invites current and future nutrition professionals to think beyond nutrients and toward the people, traditions, and memories that shape how we eat. What You’ll Learn in This Episode June’s Path into Food Ethnography (00:00) How her curiosity about how we eat, cook, and crave led her to studying food as culture and lived experience. What Food Ethnography Really Is (04:30) An introduction to ethnography and why listening to food stories matters. The Food We Eat as Culture and Memory (09:10) How identity, history, and place shape the way communities eat. From Kimchi Factories to Canteens (15:20) What June learned studying food systems across communities and institutions. What Nutrition Misses Without Food Stories (21:40) Why culture and context are essential to meaningful nutrition and dietetics work. Food, Community, and Care (28:30) How honoring community knowledge can strengthen health and nutrition practice. Reflections for Dietitians and Future Practitioners (34:50) What June hopes nutrition professionals take away from food ethnography. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with June Jo Lee: LinkedIn: June Jo Lee 📌 Resource and Publications from June Jo Lee: Her Ted Talk - Our savory, spicy, significant relationship with food Her Books - Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix and Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild Journal Article: Standard Patient History Can Be Augmented Using Ethnographic Foodlife Questions 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez—also known as Andie Lee—is a first-generation Latina dietitian whose journey spans community nutrition, retail, private practice, academia, and industry. In this episode, she walks us through her path from growing up in South Texas to becoming a Pediatric Medical Science Liaison at Abbott Nutrition, all while co-owning a bilingual private practice and teaching the next generation of dietitians. Andie Lee opens up about navigating higher education as a first-generation student, discovering dietetics through community nutrition, and facing the financial barriers of unpaid internships. She shares how mentorship and alternative pathways made her career possible—and why she’s committed to paying that support forward. We dive into what a Medical Science Liaison actually does, what a typical week looks like when you juggle multiple roles, and how to recognize when it’s time to pivot. Andie Lee also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, burnout, and the importance of rest, reflection, and owning your seat at the table. Throughout the conversation, Andie Lee emphasizes culturally responsive care, bilingual nutrition education, and why representation and mentorship are essential to the future of dietetics—especially in underserved communities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Andie Lee found dietetics through community nutrition and lived experience Navigating unpaid internships and nontraditional pathways to becoming an RD What a Pediatric Medical Science Liaison does—and how dietitians fit into industry Recognizing career ceilings and preparing for your next pivot Balancing multiple roles: industry, private practice, teaching, and family Scaling a bilingual, community-based private practice with brick-and-mortar clinics How culture and identity shape leadership, mentorship, and impact Honest reflections on imposter syndrome and burnout—and how to manage both Advice for students and early-career dietitians finding their place in the field Resources & Links 📌 Connect with Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez LinkedIn Instagram: @Dr.AndieLeeGonzalez 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send questions or voice notes: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter, for updates, opportunities, and community highlights. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this Season 5 episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Cassidy Sharp, PhD, RDN and Yan Jing Phay, MPH, RDN—two recent graduates of the Diversify Dietetics Internship—to unpack what the reality of transitioning from dietetic intern to practicing RD truly looks like. Cassidy, a maternal and child health dietitian and researcher, and Yan, a clinical dietitian serving diverse patients in Detroit, share candid reflections about their first months as credentialed dietitians. We explore the emotional roller coaster of passing the RD exam, navigating job searches, managing cultural and linguistic differences, and stepping into roles that require far more counseling, confidence, and compassion than expected. Both RDs open up about challenges specific to being early-career dietitians of color—including representation, self-doubt, and learning to trust their expertise. Whether you're a current student, future RD, or dietitian early in your career, this conversation offers grounded, realistic insights into growth, identity, and thriving in the first year as an RD. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Finding Their Way Into Dietetics (00:00) How Cassidy transitioned from food science to a combined PhD + RD path, and how Yan’s experience with an eating disorder led her to pursue nutrition and eventually her MPH in dietetics. Navigating Internships, Visa Barriers, and the Exam (06:00) Yan’s high-pressure experience as an international student balancing visa constraints, timelines, and finances — and Cassidy’s journey finishing a PhD while completing supervised practice. The First Months as New Dietitians (09:00) That surreal moment of becoming “an RD,” the pressure that follows, and the emotional and mental shift required when stepping into professional roles. What They Wish They’d Known Earlier (12:00) How understanding program options, timelines, and pacing could have reduced stress — and why patience with yourself matters. Surprising Moments in Early Practice (17:00) From unexpected counseling dynamics to navigating complex clinical encounters, they share the “no one taught me this in school” moments. A Look Into Their Day-to-Day Roles (20:00) Cassidy’s work at WIC and upcoming research position, and Yan’s acute care clinical responsibilities, charting, interdisciplinary communication, and patient education. Why Representation Still Matters (24:00) How being one of few dietitians of color in their settings impacts patient trust, shapes their learning curves, and highlights the need for culturally humble care. Career Growth and What’s Next (28:00) Maternal and child health goals, MNT literacy, teaching aspirations, breastfeeding support training, and weaving research into practice. Advice for Future Dietitians (30:00) Set your own pace. Stop comparing. Know why you want this career. Stay grounded in something beyond school and work. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Yan: LinkedIn: Yan Jing Fe, MPH, RDN 📌 Connect with Cassidy: Email: cassiebsharp@gmail.com 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this Season 5 kickoff of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, author of Eating from Our Roots, and frequent national media contributor. Maya shares her unique journey from avant-garde theater to nutrition science, her passion for culturally humble care, and her mission to make nutrition education accessible and approachable. We dive deep into what it means to stay credible and authentic in the media space, how dietitians can leverage social platforms without burning out, and why continuous learning and evolving are critical for the future of dietetics. Whether you’re a current or future dietitian, or someone passionate about inclusive health messaging, this episode is packed with insights on growth, media presence, and making a lasting impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Maya’s Unconventional Path to Dietetics (00:00) From avant-garde theater to NYU nutrition — and why she initially wanted to work for UNICEF. Early Career Lessons & Community Work (06:00) How working with marginalized communities shaped her approach to care. Building a Private Practice & Breaking into Media (08:00) The pivot from consulting to running her own practice and landing TV opportunities. The Power of Social Media & Storytelling (11:00) Why Maya launched her YouTube series and how she balances evidence-based messaging with relatability. Being a Forever Learner (20:00) How reading research, attending conferences, and collaborating across disciplines keep her credible and fresh. What Influencers Are Doing Well — and What RDs Can Learn (22:00) The importance of storytelling, empathy, and connecting with your audience. Evolving as a Profession (42:00) Why dietitians need to unpack bias, take stronger stances, and meet the needs of today’s diverse populations. Measuring Success in Media & Business (32:00) Redefining success beyond followers — doing the work you love, being compensated fairly, and serving your community. Turning Expertise into Income (35:00) Practical advice on writing, content creation, brand partnerships, and staying authentic. What’s Next for Maya (52:00) Her passion for food science, biodiversity, and connecting with real people through street interviews. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Maya: Maya Feller Nutrition – Learn more about Maya and her team’s work: www.mayaellernutrition.com Follow Maya on Instagram & YouTube: @mayafellerrd Maya’s Books: Eating from Our Roots Southern Comfort Diabetes Cookbook Watch Maya’s “Ask a Dietitian” YouTube Series: Maya Feller Nutrition on YouTube 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this rewind episode of Feed Me the Facts, we revisit Basheerah’s inspiring journey from food marketing to launching her own private practice. She shares the challenges of starting out, the realities of working with insurance, and what it takes to succeed as a dietitian entrepreneur of color. She describes how she managed her schedule as she built her private practice on the side while working full-time as an outpatient dietitian. Basheerah shares her insight on how to find clients, discusses marketing strategies that are necessary for a new private practice, explains the technology needed to set up a HIPPA-compliant practice, and more. A must-listen for current and RD2Bes considering private practice! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: From Food Marketing to Dietetics (00:00) How Basheerah transitioned from a corporate career into nutrition and pursued her master’s degree and RD. Balancing Work and Graduate School (04:00) Juggling a full-time job while completing coursework and an internship. Early Career in Outpatient Nutrition (08:00) Insights from working in weight management at Wake Forest Baptist Health. Starting a Private Practice (11:00) How she began seeing clients on the side and eventually launched her own practice. Tools & Systems for Success (14:00) HIPAA-compliant platforms, scheduling, and charting systems that streamlined her business. Financial Realities of Entrepreneurship (18:00) Why saving before starting matters, plus the challenges of delayed insurance reimbursements. Marketing & Finding Clients (20:00) Networking, referrals, social media, and ads — what worked (and what didn’t). Challenges as a Dietitian of Color (30:00) Subtle barriers, building trust, and the importance of finding your niche. Mentorship & Support Systems (34:00) The role of professors, peers, and other entrepreneurs in her growth. Mindset & Skills for Success (38:00) The resilience, hustle, and scrappiness needed to thrive as a dietitian entrepreneur. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Basheerah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basheerah-enahora-ph-d-mba-rdn-ldn-6172631/ Website: https://www.benutritionco.com 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this rewind episode of Feed Me the Facts, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Alice Figueroa—registered dietitian nutritionist, public health advocate, culinary expert, and founder of Alice in Foodie Land. Alice shares how her roots in Guatemala shaped her passion for health advocacy, her journey into nutrition and policy, and her experience as a James Beard Foundation National Scholar. She offers valuable advice on pursuing multiple passions, finding balance, and staying connected to the communities we serve. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: From Guatemala to Public Health Advocacy (00:00) How Alice’s upbringing and early experiences shaped her mission to address food insecurity and malnutrition. Discovering Nutrition as a Career Path (06:00) The moment she connected public health and nutrition, leading her to pursue dietetics. Integrating Multiple Passions (10:00) Strategies for blending research, policy, culinary arts, and wellness into a meaningful career. Mentorship & Support Systems (14:00) The impact of family and mentors in navigating a nontraditional career path. Culinary Training & the James Beard Foundation Scholarship (19:00) How Alice became a natural food chef and the importance of culturally relevant, affordable recipes. Balancing Diverse Interests (25:00) Time management, self-care, and setting “non-negotiable” goals for personal growth. Pursuing Passions with Limited Resources (31:00) Practical advice for finding opportunities, funding, and mentorship—plus the importance of taking risks. The Power of Nutrition in Building Community (36:00) How small acts, like teaching cooking classes, can create connection and lasting change. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Alice: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicefigueroa/ Website: https://aliceinfoodieland.com/ 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this special episode from the DD archives, host Deanna sits down with Trinique Waters, RD, to reflect on navigating career doubt, finding belonging, and building confidence as a woman of color in dietetics. From struggling to find her first job post-internship to discovering her passion for maternal health and lactation consulting, Trinique shares a heartfelt journey that will resonate with any RD or RD-to-be questioning their place in the field. Whether you're early in your career or just feeling stuck, this episode is your reminder that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. This episode was originally recorded in December 2018. Trinique has now been a dietitian for six years and works as Friends Hospital. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Trinique’s Introduction to Dietetics (00:00) How a high school hospital rotation sparked her interest in using food to support health. Facing Doubt After Graduation (03:00) The emotional toll of struggling to find a job and questioning her place in the field. The Impact of Representation & Belonging (04:30) What it felt like being the only Black woman in her program and comparing her path to others. Underutilizing Support & the Power of Networking (06:00) How opening up and seeking community could have made the journey less isolating. From Food Service to Clinical: Embracing Career Detours (08:00) Why her first job wasn’t ideal—and how it became a stepping stone to where she is now. Rebuilding Confidence in Clinical Nutrition (10:00) How reconnecting with clinical skills helped her feel a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. A New Passion: Lactation & Maternal Health (11:00) Her plans to support Black women through nutrition-focused lactation care. Advice for RDs & RD2Bs Questioning Their Place (12:00) Why your passion—not your name, appearance, or background—is what makes you belong. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Trinique: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinique-rd/ 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Morgan McGee shares her journey as a school nutrition leader and dietitian, offering a powerful perspective on intrapreneurship—growing within your organization to build skills, lead change, and create impact. She highlights the role of self-reflection, community, and equity in professional development, while also exploring how to leverage internal opportunities for financial growth. We dive into career advancement, storytelling, facilitation, and collective power, all while centering joy, culture, and authenticity. Tune in for a fresh take on leadership, innovation, and how to thrive in your 9-to-5. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: [00:00–02:00] Welcome + Introduction Deanna welcomes Morgan McGee, Director of School Nutrition Leadership at FoodCorps. Context of their past collaborations and how intrapreneurship became a shared topic of interest. [02:00–04:30] Morgan’s Dietetics Journey 12 years in the field. Early inspiration from public health nutrition and working in schools. Strong emphasis on combining values with innovation in school food programs. [04:30–06:30] Why School Nutrition? Highlights the multifaceted nature: policy, partnerships, public health. Schools as powerful venues for community and health interventions. [06:30–08:00] Obama Leaders USA Program Morgan was the only dietitian in the cohort. Experience contributed to leadership and cross-sector collaboration skills. [08:00–10:00] What is Intrapreneurship? Defined as growing within your role/org, using the job as a lab for innovation and testing. Importance of understanding org culture for success. [10:00–12:00] Pros & Cons of Intrapreneurship Pros: Built-in resources, support, funding, audience. Cons: Dependent on funding, politics, and institutional priorities. [12:00–14:00] Morgan’s Personal Balance Doesn’t side-hustle often – prioritizes dance as a creative outlet. Advocates for honest self-reflection about goals and values. [14:00–17:30] Real-World Examples of Intrapreneurship Leading a Black staff ERG at FoodCorps. Leveraging coaching and bringing in outside facilitators (e.g., Hood Herbalism). Building leadership programs for school food professionals. [17:30–20:00] Collective Ownership vs. Individual Glory Emphasis on collective impact, not personal credit. Intrapreneurship as a form of ancestral practice and community uplift. [20:00–23:00] Financial Growth through Intrapreneurship Skills like facilitation and training (e.g., Toastmasters, ICN certification) have brought side income. Building transferable skills while staying employed full-time. [23:00–26:00] Skill Highlights Public speaking, program design with an equity lens, facilitation. Cultural humility and participatory approaches in public health. [26:00–30:00] How to Get Started with Intrapreneurship Self-reflection: Where do you want to grow? Gather data (job descriptions, org needs, etc.). Get buy-in from decision-makers and pitch well-thought-out ideas. [30:00–34:00] Strategic Relationship-Building Know who holds power in your org and how to build allies. Use mentorship and community to develop your vision. [34:00–37:00] Envisioning Intrapreneurship in Dietetics Employers must invest in growth opportunities. Example: Morgan’s supervisor supports staff-led trauma-informed cafeteria initiatives. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Morgan: IG: @moghee LinkedIn: Morgan McGee 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Venus Kalami shares her journey as a pediatric dietitian, the importance of cultural humility, and why dietitians of color are vital in pediatric nutrition. We explore career growth, respect, money, and how to avoid burnout while building inclusive practices. Tune in for insights on equity, advocacy, and finding joy in your work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Venus’s journey from middle school inspiration to pediatric dietitian (00:00) → How a story from her mother and early passion for service shaped her path. How cultural humility shaped her practice (12:00) → Why openness, curiosity, and inclusion are at the heart of her approach. Why we need more dietitians of color in pediatric subspecialties (22:00) → The critical role of representation in building trust and improving care. Navigating respect, money, and career growth in pediatrics (41:00) → Honest reflections on earning potential, certifications, and finding valued spaces. Practical advice for setting boundaries and avoiding burnout (51:00) → Why saying no matters, and how to prioritize joy and rest in your career. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Venus: Website: www.venuskalamird.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/venuskalami Instagram / Twitter: @ravenousvenus 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Journey from Mentorship to Partnership (00:00) How Alissa and Jasmine went from mentor/mentee to long-term collaborators. Why Dietitians Should Embrace Collaboration (06:30) The impact of working together instead of competing in a saturated field. Justice-Informed Approaches in Nutrition (12:15) How Alissa and Jasmine integrate equity pricing and scholarship models into their work. Breaking the Scarcity Mindset in Dietetics (18:45) Why collaboration creates more opportunities and expands accessibility. Practical Steps to Find the Right Collaborators (25:10) How to identify aligned partnerships and navigate challenges. The Role of the DD Community in Facilitating Connections (30:50) How mentorship and networking can open doors for future collaborations. Final Advice for Dietitians Wanting to Partner Up (38:20) Tips on fostering trust, dividing responsibilities, and making collaboration work. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Alissa: www.alissarumsey.com www.theliberatedclinician.com 📌 Connect with Jasmine: https://www.instagram.com/mendinground/ https://www.instagram.com/theliberatedclinician/ Resources: https://www.theliberatedclinician.com/resources/ 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me The Facts, Deanna sits down with Greg LaFortune, a Registered Dietitian and private practice owner, to talk about his leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a business, and his mission to make nutrition accessible—especially for men. Greg shares his inspiring journey from a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 11 to owning his own insurance-based private practice, Optimal Plan Nutrition, LLC. Whether you’re considering private practice or just love a good entrepreneurial success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights, financial transparency, and practical advice on building a nutrition business from the ground up. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: [00:00:00] Meet Greg LaFortune – Greg shares his background, his leap into private practice, and why he’s passionate about making nutrition more accessible. [00:03:00] From Diagnosis to Dietitian – Greg’s journey began at age 11 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Hear how that experience shaped his career path. [00:05:00] The Power of Gratitude – Greg explains why contentment, potential, and honor are the three words that define his experience as a private practice dietitian. [00:08:00] Why Private Practice? – What led Greg to take the leap into private practice, and why focusing on men’s health became his mission. [00:11:00] The Reality of Running a Business – Greg breaks down the behind-the-scenes work of running a private practice, from marketing to billing and everything in between. [00:15:00] Talking Money: What Dietitians Can Earn in Private Practice – Financial transparency matters! Greg shares real numbers and his income goals for making private practice sustainable. [00:19:00] Work-Life Balance & Time Freedom – The driving force behind Greg’s business: getting his time back and creating a schedule that works for him and his family. [00:24:00] Finding Your Niche as a Dietitian – Why Greg chose to focus on men’s health and how niching down can make your practice more effective (and less stressful). [00:28:00] How to Market Yourself – From social media to insurance directories, Greg shares the marketing strategies that have helped him grow his client base. [00:31:00] AI & The Future of Private Practice – How artificial intelligence is changing the game for dietitians, from automated note-taking to efficiency tools. [00:33:00] Staying True to Your Values – Greg talks about the importance of authenticity in business and why being yourself is the best way to attract the right clients. [00:35:00] How to Connect with Greg – Want to learn more or work with Greg? Find out how to reach him through his website, social media, and email. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Greg: Website: gregorylafortune.com Instagram: @menshealthdietitian LinkedIn: Gregory LaFortune Email: nutrition@gregorylafortune.com 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics. 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna sits down with Tamara Melton and Deja Ivy to discuss the decision to sunset the Diversify Dietetics Internship Program. They explore the program's origin, challenges in maintaining funding, and the impact of changing DEI priorities. While it’s bittersweet to end the internship, the conversation highlights new initiatives aimed at supporting a more diverse and supportive field of dietetics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Origins of the DD Internship Program (00:00) How the vision for a barrier-free dietetic internship came to life. The Reality of Running a Nonprofit Internship (03:00) Behind-the-scenes challenges, including funding and logistics. Impact of DEI Changes and Affirmative Action (06:00) How shifting priorities affected program sustainability. The Changing Landscape of Dietetics Education (11:00) Declining enrollment and its influence on internship programs. Lessons Learned in Supporting Students of Color (19:00) Cultural humility, financial barriers, and creating supportive environments. Why Sunsetting the Program Was Necessary (22:00) Balancing human capital, burnout, and financial sustainability. The Future of DD: New Programs and Scholarships (26:00) Exciting initiatives to support diversity in dietetics beyond the internship. Reflections and Celebrations (28:00) Favorite memories and the impact of the program on graduates. Resources & Links: Donate to support the final cohort of the DD Internship - www.diversifydietetics.org/donate Learn more about the DD Scholarships- https://www.diversifydietetics.org/scholarships-grants Diversify Dietetics Internship Webpage - www.ddinternship.org 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Dr. Navika Gangrade, a visiting assistant professor at NYU and registered dietitian, to unpack the journey of pursuing a PhD in nutrition. We discuss her experiences navigating academia as a woman of color, the financial realities of graduate school, and the power of research to drive real-world change. If you’ve ever considered academia, research, or even wondered about the impact of a PhD in dietetics, this conversation is for you! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Navika’s Journey into Nutrition & Research How her multicultural upbringing and love for food led her to dietetics and academia. Why Pursue a PhD? (06:00) What inspired Navika to continue her education and dive into research. Navigating Academia as a Woman of Color (12:00) The challenges, barriers, and the role of mentorship in her success. Community-Based Research & Youth Advocacy (19:00) How her research empowers young people and promotes health equity. Money & Respect: Does a PhD Pay Off? (25:00) Breaking down financial realities, funding, and salary expectations. Advice for Future Dietitians in Academia (35:00) How to navigate PhD programs, find mentors, and advocate for yourself. Resources & Links: Follow Dr. Navika Gangrade on Instagram: @navika.phd.rd Learn more about the NYU Nutrition Program: NYU Steinhardt Department of Nutrition Explore Diversify Dietetics and mentorship opportunities: Diversify Dietetics 🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Jenny Westerkamp, founder of All Access Dietetics and All Access Dietitians. Jenny shares her incredible journey from launching her first business as a college senior to working as a dietitian for professional sports teams like the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs. She opens up about creating innovative solutions for future RDs, improving access to nutrition care, and why private practice is the future of dietetics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The story behind All Access Dietetics and All Access Dietitians Opportunities and challenges in dietetics entrepreneurship Tackling the myth that dietitians can’t make money The importance of data, outcomes, and reimagining the field Links and Resources Mentioned: All Access Dietetics All Access Dietitians All Access Dietitians Fellowship https://allaccessdietitians.com/fellowship/ Jenny’s podcast: Dear Future Dietitian Follow Jenny on Instagram: @allaccessdietetics

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Luis Gonzalez, an RDN and account manager at Eat Well Global. Luis shares his journey through food service management, his discovery of media-based opportunities, and how he combines creativity with science to make a broader impact. We also explore the importance of increasing diversity in this space and how dietitians of color can amplify their voices. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Luis’s career journey from food service director to nutrition communications - How dietitians can explore non-traditional career paths - The role of diversity in shaping impactful nutrition messaging - Insights into collaborating with brands and navigating media opportunities - Practical advice on breaking into the communications field as a dietitian Links and Resources Mentioned: Eat Well Global Diversify Dietetics Resources for RDNs Support the Fund the Future Campaign

Episode Summary: In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Luis Gonzalez, an RDN and account manager at Eat Well Global. Luis shares his journey through food service management, his discovery of media-based opportunities, and how he combines creativity with science to make a broader impact. We also explore the importance of increasing diversity in this space and how dietitians of color can amplify their voices. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Luis’s career journey from food service director to nutrition communications - How dietitians can explore non-traditional career paths - The role of diversity in shaping impactful nutrition messaging - Insights into collaborating with brands and navigating media opportunities - Practical advice on breaking into the communications field as a dietitian Links and Resources Mentioned: Eat Well Global Diversify Dietetics Resources for RDNs Support the Fund the Future Campaign

In this episode, DD Co-founders Deanna Lewis and Tamara Melton sit down with trailblazing dietitians Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones, founders of Diabetes Digital. They discuss their inspiring pivot from Food Heaven, a beloved 12 year brand, to their new company focusing on insurance covered, culturally inclusive diabetes care. Learn how they’ve navigated change, tackled burnout, and continued to trailblaze in the world of dietetics. Tune in for insights on scaling a business, advocating for diversity, and staying true to your vision. If you want to hear more about why and how Wendy and Jess sunsetted Food Heaven they did a whole series on their podcast. You can check it out the Goodbye Episode Here - https://foodheavenmadeeasy.com/goodbye-for-now/ Connect with Diabetes Digital: Their website (where they are hiring!) diabetesdigital.co Follow them on social media @diabetesdigitalco Check out the diabetes digital podcast- https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

Join co-host and dietitians Deanna Belleny Lewis and Danielle Sanders as they talk about what's new for the Diversify Dietetics podcast. This podcast is dedicated to representation and inspiration for students and professionals of color pursuing careers in nutrition and dietetics. Every episode, we’ll bring you expert insights, the latest trends and personal stories that inspire. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, this is your space to learn, grow, and connect.

On this first episode of Season 3, we talk with two members of our DD Community: Drs. Kate Burt and Shelly Debiasse. They, along with their colleague Dr. Zubaida Qamar have launched a new project called #InclusiveDietetics, a group on Facebook aimed to increase the awareness about the lack of diversity in the dietetics profession. In this group, they will share important information about diversity and inclusion in general and on topics relevant to facilitating a more diverse and inclusive profession. Join #Inclusive Dietetics to continue the conversation! Drs. Burt and Debiasse discuss why they are launching this project, why they took the extra steps to make the project a part of a research study and what conversations, movements and changes they hope this campaign will spark in the dietetics community. If you have ever wondered how our profession got to where it is today (i.e.- with so little diversity), and what are ways that you can help to change it, you will want to be a part of this project! You can join #Inclusive Dietetics to continue the conversation!