RDN Spotlight: La'Keisha Coker, MS, RD, LD

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

I am proud to be a Black woman from Timmonsville, South Carolina. I grew up eating all kinds of traditional southern dishes like collards greens, corn bread, field peas, chicken, and other popular dishes. My grandmother, Maggie Stewards Edwards, my mother, Pearlie Mae Gee, and aunts would prepare Christmas dinner for all my aunts, uncles, and first cousins. The holidays are a time for fellowship.

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

I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina (1998). I obtained my master’s degree in Nutritional Science from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina(2005). I attended the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Dietetic Internship(2011).

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

I chose nutrition and dietetics as a profession because I wanted to provide people with nutritional knowledge to prevent illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure especially people of my background. I am aware the health outcomes of blacks are linked to several social determinants such as socioeconomics status, employment, access to budget-friendly nutritious foods, and healthcare. I strived to better understand all the disparities that influence certain food choices in black communities.

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

I am employed by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). I am the SC State Food Package Coordinator. Some of my duties are: review and audit local agency and primary care centers compliance with WIC certification, nutrition education and breastfeeding components of state and federal WIC guidelines and regulation as part of the WIC Management Evaluation Team. I am responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of all policies and procedures related to South Carolina’s WIC food package design and ensure all changes are written into the South Carolina State Plan. Additionally, I serve as the subject matter expert of the approved product list, therapeutic formula, and food prescription module.

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?

One of the biggest challenges I experienced in my journey of becoming a dietitian was being the only black minority in my internship program. Although I knew I was qualified to be there, I felt I had to work harder than my counterparts to prove I was just as competent and knowledgeable. It was very challenging and at times unnerving to enter a room, and you don’t see anyone who looks like you. I had to constantly encourage and tell myself I am competent and I will become a Registered Dietitian.

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

No, unfortunately, I didn’t have any mentors in my career. I envisioned and created my own path to success in this profession.

Why do you think diversifying this field is important?

I believe one of the biggest issues is the concept of an ideal body. Unfortunately, the ideal body tends to be white and thin. There is a lack of images in skin complexion, body shape, and even hair texture. It is imperative to recognize and understand that race plays a pivotal role in the inequalities of nutrition. Overall, to serve all populations, dietitians across the spectrum must be open to networking, collaborating, and embracing diversity while appreciating and recognizing the differences each individual brings to the table.

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

You may be the only one in your class but know that you have what it takes! I like to provide this quote; the author is unknown. “You can attain anything you want when the desire to achieve your dream is filled with passion, a hunger so deep that nothing can stop you from accomplishing it.”