A little more about me

Hi, I’m Deanna. I’m a speaker, a writer, a connector, a community builder, a foodie and so much more.

• I love sharing my knowledge on topics I am passionate about. A few notable speaking engagements include:

  • The Importance of Diversity Throughout the Food System, American Heart Association Foodscape Innovation Summit

  • Using Communication and Feedback to Build Strong Leaders, Massachusetts League of Community Health, Community Health Institute

  • Growing Together: Diversifying Dietetics Through Mentoring, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo

  • More Than Just the Blues: Increasing the Treatment and Screening for Depression among African American Adults in the Faith-Based Setting, National Forum for Black Public Administrators Conference

• In previous full-time and consulting roles; I’ve managed school nutrition programs, led community based participatory research, developed health promotion and disease prevention curricula, implemented federal nutrition policies, created and scaled county wide nutrition and physical activity outreach programs, secured grant funding for non-profit and government organizations and so much more!

• I am the proud co-founder of Diversify Dietetics, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the racial and ethnic diversity in the field of nutrition and dietetics by empowering nutrition leaders of color.

• As a dietitian, I do not provide any personal nutrition counseling services. I do believe in weight inclusive practices and Health at Every Size (HAES) Principles for individual and community health. Health at Every Size Principles include weight inclusivity, health advancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. You can learn more on the Association for Size Diversty and Health website.

• On a personal note, I enjoy yoga, I’m a middle child and a Myers Briggs ENFP