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In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna sits down with Gaby Vaca-Flores, MS, RD, who previously worked as the Education and Scientific Affairs Manager at HUM Nutrition, to explore what it’s really like to build a career in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and corporate wellness space. Gaby has been a dietitian since 2017 and began her career in clinical nutrition before realizing that traditional clinical practice wasn’t the right fit for her. She went on to work in Early Head Start and diabetes education before making the leap into the dietary supplement industry. What started as a creative attempt to get her foot in the door at HUM evolved into a seven-year career where she grew from an RD providing customer education to a senior manager working across nutrition communications, scientific and regulatory affairs, and product innovation. Gaby shares how she learned skills like blog writing, social media, SEO, and nutrition communications on the job—and how those skills ultimately inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in communication management. She also talks about the realities of working at a startup, including wearing multiple hats, being comfortable figuring things out, letting go of perfectionism, and embracing opportunities to learn outside of your traditional scope. The conversation also explores the role of dietitians in the CPG industry, the importance of scientific credibility when communicating nutrition information, representation in corporate wellness, and the opportunities for RDs to have a greater voice in product development and consumer health. For dietitians and future dietitians interested in stepping outside the traditional clinical path, Gaby offers practical advice on networking, building complementary skills, pitching your value to brands, and creating opportunities that may not exist as a traditional job posting. Gaby now serves as the Director of Scientific Affairs, Education, Engagement at ARMRA Colostrum. 🎧What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Gaby pivoted away from clinical nutrition early in her career (02:00) → How realizing clinical wasn’t the right fit pushed her to explore new opportunities. Breaking into the CPG and wellness industry as an RD (06:00) → How she pitched herself into a role that didn’t technically exist. How nutrition communications became her niche (08:00) → Learning SEO, content creation, and scientific storytelling on the job. What it’s really like working at a startup (12:00) →Why adaptability, problem-solving, and wearing multiple hats matter. The value of staying and growing within one company (18:00) →How Gaby evolved her role over seven years at HUM Nutrition. Scientific credibility in the supplement industry (23:00) →How she evaluates research, uses PubMed, and communicates evidence responsibly. Representation and opportunities for dietitians in wellness brands (25:00) →Why more companies need RDs at the table. Future trends in supplements and wellness products (30:00). →Protein products, GLP-1 support, gut health, and the future of CPG nutrition. Advice for dietitians wanting unconventional careers(32:00) →Why networking, persistence, and developing complementary skills are key. Navigating networking as an introvert (35:00) →Gaby’s strategy for showing up professionally while staying authentic. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Gaby:LinkedIn TikTok 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected] 📩 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 Dr. Antonio Miranda—a proud Mexican-American, first-generation college graduate, registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, researcher, educator, and author—to explore his groundbreaking work on “medical machismo” and health behaviors among Hispanic men and communities of color. Drawing from both research and lived experience, Antonio shares how culture, masculinity, poverty, religiosity, and generational experiences shape healthcare engagement, and why dietitians must move beyond textbook counseling approaches to truly connect with the populations they serve. With a doctorate in nutrition and health behavior, Dr. Miranda has worked with more than 2,000 patients and taught at institutions including Dallas College, Texas Woman’s University, and Andrews University. His research focuses on machismo, dichos, and culturally grounded approaches to prevention and chronic disease care, while his work as a public speaker, entrepreneur, and author reflects his broader mission to uplift first-generation students and improve Hispanic health outcomes through education, empathy, and culturally responsive care. 🎧What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Antonio’s journey into nutrition and research (00:00) → How passion, purpose, and finding a niche shaped his career path. What “machismo” and “medical machismo” really mean (15:00) → Understanding how masculinity impacts healthcare behaviors and prevention. Why many men avoid doctors and preventive care (16:30) → The cultural, historical, and socioeconomic roots behind healthcare resistance. How to effectively communicate with hard-to-reach populations (18:30) → Why direct, culturally aware communication can build trust and improve outcomes. What dietitians can learn about flexibility and counseling styles (20:00) → Adjusting communication based on patients’ lived experiences and needs. The relationship between poverty, culture, and health behaviors (22:00) → How survival, environment, and access influence long-term health decisions. Machismo as both a survival tool and a barrier (27:00) → Exploring the strengths and downsides of toughness culture. Research insights from interviewing working-class Latino men (30:00) → What Antonio learned from years of qualitative interviews and psychoanalysis. Why vulnerability in men matters for healthcare providers to recognize (32:00) → How moments of emotional openness can create opportunities for intervention and trust. Advice for future practitioners working with communities of color (34:00) → How to approach conversations with curiosity, empathy, and cultural humility. Antonio’s upcoming diabetes education curriculum for Hispanic communities (38:00) → A new culturally tailored resource focused on accessibility and prevention. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Antonio: Instagram Website Linkedin 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected] 📩 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 today’s episode, we’re diving into the intersection of food, culture, community, and advocacy—and exploring what it really means to create equitable food systems that nourish people beyond the plate. This conversation is a powerful reminder that food access isn’t just about availability; it’s about dignity, education, connection, and giving communities the tools to thrive. If you’ve ever thought about food as a vehicle for social change, civic engagement, and healing, this episode will leave you inspired. In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Danielle sits down with Jamie Gonzalez, affectionately known as “The Produce Lady”—a food activist, chef, and community leader from San Antonio, Texas, with more than 20 years of experience in the produce industry. Jamie is the founder of the Market Box produce access and literacy programs, which have distributed more than 4 million pounds of fresh produce through partnerships with over 50 organizations. She also serves as the Community Engagement & Development Manager at River City Produce and President of the Food Policy Council of San Antonio, where she advocates for food literacy, health equity, and sustainable, community-centered food solutions. Throughout the episode, Jamie shares her perspective on the evolving Food Is Medicine movement, why she reframes it as “Food Is Health,” and how produce literacy can empower communities in ways that go far beyond nutrition education. She also opens up about resilience, identity, reclaiming space as a Latina woman in food systems work, and the story behind the moniker “Puta de la Fruta.” From food sovereignty and civic engagement to healing and authenticity, this conversation highlights the transformative power of food to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Jamie got started in food systems and produce advocacy (00:00)→ The experiences that shaped her passion for food access and community work. Why produce literacy matters just as much as food access (14:00)→ How education, flavor, and cultural connection help people actually use fresh foods. Food Is Medicine vs. Food Is Health (16:30)→ Jamie’s perspective on prevention, dignity, and why food should go beyond prescriptions. What makes Food Rx programs actually work (19:00)→ Lessons from produce box programs, community trust, and increasing participation rates. Using food as a tool for community building and civic engagement (22:00)→ Why conversations around produce can spark empowerment and systemic change. The story behind “Puta de la Fruta” and becoming The Produce Lady (26:00)→ How Jamie reclaimed identity, challenged stereotypes, and built a recognizable community voice. Navigating authenticity, culture, and professionalism as a woman of color (35:00)→ Reflections on identity, influence, and balancing different versions of yourself. How resilience, injury, and COVID reshaped Jamie’s purpose (37:00)→ The personal experiences that changed how she approaches work, healing, and leadership. Jamie’s vision for the future of food access and community health (42:00)→ Expanding food literacy, cooperative buying programs, and creating sustainable systems for communities. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Jamie: Instagram LinkedIn 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected] 📩 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

Building a Niche in Vaginal Health with Dekeira Horne Diversify Dietetics     In today’s episode, we’re diving into a niche within dietetics that some may consider non-traditional—but that’s exactly the point. This conversation is all about what’s possible when you lean into your interests, trust your instincts, and create something that’s truly your own. If you’ve ever felt boxed into the idea that dietitians have to work in hospitals or traditional clinical roles, consider this your permission slip to think bigger. Dietitians are entrepreneurs, creators, innovators, and go-getters—and this episode is here to inspire you to build a program, practice, or path that aligns with who you are and how you want to show up in the world. In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna sits down with Dekeira Horne, RD—registered dietitian, full-time content creator, and founder of The Vaj Reset. Dekeira shares how her own journey with chronic vaginal infections led her to create a unique, science-backed, mindset-centered approach to healing. She opens up about carving out a highly specific niche in dietetics, building a values-driven business that finally pays, and redefining what success looks like on her own terms. From money and confidence to holistic care and self-trust, this conversation is all about empowering women to heal, reclaim their health, and step boldly into their worth—while showing that dietetics and entrepreneurship can go hand-in-hand. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeDekeira’s Journey from Patient to Practitioner (00:00) How her personal struggle with chronic vaginal infections led her to develop a science-backed, mindset-centered approach to healing. Creating The Vaj Reset (08:00) Why she built a program blending nutrition, subconscious reprogramming, and holistic self-empowerment to address root causes. Carving a Niche in Dietetics (15:00) How she confidently stepped into a highly specific, often stigmatized specialty—and why specificity can be your superpower. Building a Values-Driven Business (23:00) The mindset shifts, risks, and strategy behind creating a brand that aligns with her mission and generates real income. Money, Confidence & Redefining Success (32:00) What it looks like to move beyond traditional career paths in dietetics and design success on your own terms. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Dekeira: Threads Youtube 📌 Resource and Publications: E-Books + Programs - The Vaj Reset LinkTree - More resources + collaborations 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected] 📩 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, Danielle sits down with Daniela Hurtado, MS, RD, CSSD, and Rayanne Nguyen, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN—two sports dietitians and leaders redefining what athlete care can look like. Daniela, founder of DK Performance RD and CEO of The Athlete Meal Plan, discovered her passion for sports nutrition through her own experience as an athlete and has gone on to work with organizations including the University of Georgia, SMU, UCLA Basketball, and the NFL. Rayanne, a former Division I swimmer and board-certified sports dietitian, brings nearly a decade of experience across private practice, collegiate athletics, eating disorder care, and corporate wellness, and now runs her own practice, Rayanne Nutrition Consulting. Together, they are using their expertise to lead The Athlete Meal Plan, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity among athletes by providing free, dietitian-designed meals created from repurposed food waste. From long days in collegiate athletics to launching a nonprofit tackling food insecurity, Daniela and Rayanne pull back the curtain on what it really means to fuel athletes—beyond the highlight reels and performance metrics. They share powerful stories from the field, the hidden barriers many athletes face, and how they’re reimagining care through The Athlete Meal Plan. This conversation challenges the assumption that access is guaranteed in sports and highlights how dietitians can step into roles as advocates, innovators, and change makers—building solutions that extend far beyond traditional practice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Journeys into Sports Nutrition (00:00)How personal experiences as athletes and early exposure to nutrition shaped their careers. What It’s Really Like Working in Sports Nutrition (05:00)The reality of collegiate athletics, food service demands, and unpredictable day-to-day roles. The Hidden Reality of Food Insecurity in Athletes (13:00)Why this issue is often overlooked and how it shows up in performance and health. Real Stories from the Field (20:00)Powerful examples of how food insecurity impacts recovery, injury, and long-term outcomes. The Athlete Meal Plan: Origin & Mission (28:00)How their nonprofit was born and what it aims to solve. Reducing Food Waste & Increasing Access (31:00)How partnerships with local businesses help create sustainable, ready-to-eat meals. Education, Equity & Supporting Athletes Holistically (34:00)Why nutrition education and culturally relevant care matter just as much as access. What Dietitians Can Do Right Now (35:00)Practical ways to screen for food insecurity and better support athletes. What’s Next for The Athlete Meal Plan (41:00)Scaling the model, expanding impact, and supporting youth athletes. Resources & Links: 📌 Connect with Daniela:Instagram 📌 Connect with Rayanne:Instagram 📌 The Athlete Meal Plan: Instagram Website Donate to the  Athlete Meal Plan 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected] 📩 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

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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts: Website: www.diversifydietetics.org Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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: [email protected] 📩 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