RDN Spotlight: Jasmine Hormati, MS, RD, CIEC

What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.

Iranian; yes, family mealtime was very important and we often had Iranian food. My parents loved to host people at our home a lot, so there was always food to be prepared. I always helped my parents set up for these mehmoonies by arranging the Iranian cookies on serving plates, prepping appetizers, getting the tea glasses out, etc. Oh and the tahdig - the crunchy rice at the bottom of the pot - is everyone's favorite. My baba and I would always fight over it - it's that good.

Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?

I went to El Camino College (2010-2013) for 3 years, and transferred to UC Berkeley (2013-2015) where I majored in Conservation and Resource Studies - I got to make my major and chose to focus on the food system, urban agriculture, public health, and nutrition. I then decided I wanted to become a RD, so I went to grad school at Teachers College, Columbia University where I got my MS in Nutrition and Public Health (2017-2019). I did my DI at UC San Diego Health (2019-2020).

Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?

I was really interested in our food system and how different factors could affect our health. I also thought it was a great way to help and connect with people since we all have a relationship to food. I learned about Intuitive Eating early on in my nutrition education and later about Health at Every Size. The more I learned, the more excited I was about the field and how I could contribute to it.

What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?

I just left my full-time job as a foodservice manager with Morrison Healthcare. The foodservice workers were so hardworking, and the management team was amazing. I learned a lot, and there's definitely a lot of opportunity for growth in that area. While I enjoyed that job, I've always wanted to have my own private practice using the Intuitive Eating and HAES frameworks to help people with their relationship to food and their body. I'm excited to announce that my friend and I just started our practice, mendinground nutrition & yoga! From creating our website to having 1-on-1 sessions with clients, each day looks very different from the last. We're in the early stages and have a LONG to-do list, but we are looking forward to growing this practice!

What is/was the biggest challenge for you in becoming a dietitian and how did you overcome that challenge? This can be related to being an RD of color or not just any challenge?

I had two big challenges. First, telling my parents that I going to be a dietitian instead of a dentist. They were so nervous about it because they weren't familiar with what a RD does and that I wouldn't be able to be my own boss (something my dad always encouraged me to do). It took them awhile and lots of discussions, but they eventually came around and are supportive. The second challenge was stepping away from the stability and security I had from the foodservice job and starting a private practice. It's something I always knew I would do, but taking the leap was hard and scary. Making choices out of fear is something I don't want to do though. So here I am, co-owner of a private practice, ready for the adventure and growth I gain from this experience.

Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?

No formal mentors yet (I signed up for the DD mentorship program). I've learned a lot from other RDs though and truly appreciate all the opportunities I've had working with them.

Why do you think diversifying this field is important?

I think it's SUPER important because it helps bring in different lived experiences and perspectives. There isn't a one size fits all approach to nutrition, so the more diversity we have, the more opportunities there are to truly meet people where they are and support them.

What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?

Look for peers and mentors that resonate with you. Having a supportive community was key for me to navigate this journey to become a RD. It helped me learn and grow so much.