RDN Spotlight: Sara Cardenas, MPH, RDN

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

Hispanic (Mexican) We did have some typical Mexican food (tamales, enchiladas), but not specific customs.

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

Cal poly Pomona undergraduate 2013-2017

Loma Linda university coordinated program 2018-2020

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

I was in undergrad, undeclared and had to do some research on different majors. One of them was dietetics and I felt like I could learn and lot and apply it to my family. My mom had hyper/hypothyroidism and eating the best food was always a concern for her. I wanted to see what I could learn and help her in any way possible.

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

I’m a clinical dietitian, work full-time Monday- Friday. I’m inpatient at an acute care hospital.

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?

The biggest challenge was being a first-gen low-income student. There was no guidance available, I learned everything myself. When it came to grad school I had to take out student loans because there was no way for me to become an RD without taking that route. Many students are able to take a break and get more experience or have a family to rely on financially but that was not the case for me. It was hard navigating through the entire education process.

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

My first mentor was through Diversify Dietetics, she’s been really great in giving advice and answering questions. Finally felt I could be understood.

Why do you think diversifying this field is important?

Because without diversity there will be no change. Diversifying this field will allow for the future generations of RD’s to find a community. It also will provide adequate health access to underserved and underrepresented populations.

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

Look for support from Diversify Dietetics and other students that are similar to you, be it in the field of nutrition, first-gen, low income, etc.