RDN Spotlight: Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN
What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.
Black Not really customs but I got my love of food from my family. That's where I first started appreciating the social aspect of it.
Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?
Undergrad: Fordham University
Dietetic Internship: Sodexo
Graduate School: Hunter College
Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?
I started becoming hyper aware of the disparities in health with certain neighborhoods. I didn't even know what an RD was at first but I wanted to bridge the gap between communities and health information. There is also so much misinformation spreading through the media it's important to spread the truth.
What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?
I work in public health for New York City as my typical "9-5". I work with schools in certain communities and give nutrition classes not only to the children but also the parents and staff. I also work on my own counseling and company The Nutrition Tea during "off hours". I think it's so important to have a relatable stance on nutrition. Yes health is the goal but it doesn't look the same for everyone.
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?
Probably figuring out what I wanted to do in my career. And quite honestly I am still figuring this out. Becoming an RD is a second career choice for me and I am happy with what I am doing now but there is also still so much to learn and decide on.
Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?
There have been so many mentors and influential people and many probably don't even know it. I think the most valuable thing anyone has told me was to be true to what you believe. There is no "right" or "correct" approach to how to go about your career path.
Why do you think diversifying this field is important?
It's super important that something as universal as nutrition be reflected in the people providing facts and dialogue. The United States alone is a melting pot of cultures and to only have a very Eurocentric view on nutrition is outdated. There is so much to be said when people feel comfortable around those who are giving them counseling.
What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?
To know that you are not alone. You might feel that way being the "only one" in your internship or schooling but there are more people of color out there who are doing the same thing as you and not to get discouraged. Your value and insight is much needed in this field.