Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Announces First Recipients of Advancing Diversity in Dietetics Scholarship

Newswise — CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation has selected dietetics students Gabriela Naveda and Latina Robinson as the recipients of its Advancing Diversity in Dietetics Scholarship. The scholarship will provide each student with $25,000 for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Foundation established the scholarship in 2021 to support the educational advancement of aspiring registered dietitian nutritionists of diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

“Our Advancing Diversity in Dietetics Scholarship is rooted in a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access. It is intended to support individuals of diverse backgrounds and cultures in achieving their professional aspirations by helping to reduce their costs associated with becoming registered dietitian nutritionists,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Becky Dorner, the Academy Foundation’s 2021-2022 chair. “We are honored and grateful to work with the donor of this funding to support diversity in our profession.” 

Naveda, who is originally from Quito, Ecuador, is pursuing a master’s degree and completing her supervised practice hours through the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Coordinated Graduate Program in Dietetics. 

“Receiving the Foundation's 2021 Advancing Diversity in Dietetics Scholarship will help me manifest my dream of improving the health outcomes of the people in my community by supporting individuals from marginalized groups who want to become RDNs,” Naveda said. “I’d like to help energize movements to improve legislation affecting the field of nutrition and dietetics and contribute to the innovation and research, fueling the next wave of best practices and therapeutic approaches in the profession.” 

Robinson, who is originally from Diaz, Ark., is pursuing a master’s degree from the Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., and is completing her supervised practice hours. 

“My goal is to become an RDN to fight type 2 diabetes in minority communities,” Robinson said. “I’d like to work in a wellness clinic to promote diabetes awareness and provide resources to inspire and motivate my clients to defeat this disease. I’d eventually like to eradicate type 2 diabetes across the nation.” 

The scholarship was made possible through an anonymous donor and is rooted in a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access. 

The Foundation also awarded $760,000 in scholarships to 328 dietetic interns and students for the 2021-2022 Academic year. Many of the scholarships were designed for, and awarded to, students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

For more information about Foundation Scholarships, visit www.eatrightfoundation.org/scholarships. 

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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier lifestyles. It makes an impact with Academy members and throughout the profession with its scholarships, awards, research grants, fellowships, public education programs and disaster relief efforts. Through philanthropy, the Foundation empowers current and future food and nutrition practitioners to optimize global health. Visit the Foundation at www.eatrightFoundation.org.