RDN Spotlight: Ashley Berthoumieux, MS, RD, CDN

WHAT IS YOUR ETHNICITY/RACE?

Black/Haitian-American

WHERE/WHEN DID YOU GO TO UNDERGRAD/DIETETIC INTERNSHIP/GRAD SCHOOL?

Columbia University (undergrad)/New York University (grad)/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (DI)

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE NUTRITION AND DIETETICS AS A CAREER?

To be quite honest, I entered this career path sort of serendipitously; I didn't know from a young age that this is what I wanted to do. I realize that's not the most exciting or profound response, but when I was a college student, pursuing a career in nutrition & dietetics was not promoted. Students were encouraged to pursue careers in medicine, law, engineering, finance or academia. Frankly, I think that approach contributes to a lack of diversity in this profession. When I took time to lean into my interests after graduating college, I came across nutrition science and realized its importance while working in clinical research for preventive cardiologists. I then applied to a nutrition-focused Master's program, kicking off my journey to become a Registered Dietitian!

Did your family have any customs related to food? What were some of your favorite foods growing up or your favorite memories surrounding food? Please describe.

My grandparents & parents were born in Haiti and immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1960s/early 1970s. My family has always maintained a connection to Haiti through food. My fondest childhood memory is of my grandmother's Sunday cooking. Every weekend my whole extended family would gather at my grandmother's house in Queens, NY to eat her delicious meals; it would take her hours to prepare the food because many Haitian dishes require hours-long marinating time. My favorite Haitian dishes include Lalo, rice with djon djon, and patties -- throw in some pikliz to spice things up!

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW AS AN RDN AND WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY/WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Currently, I work as a clinical research manager for a late-stage start-up/digital health company. My transition from an academic workplace to tech is fairly recent, so I’m learning to apply my clinical and research skills in unique ways. Prior to this role, I worked in clinical trials for a large hospital in NYC, managing projects that observed diet and lifestyle behaviors among women in the breast cancer population. In both my current and previous position, I’ve had the privilege of working remotely while making a positive contribution to healthcare. I'm also trying to build my own virtual private practice so that I can help women through 1:1 nutrition counseling.

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've had pursuing this career path is always feeling like an outsider. For the vast majority of my education I was the only Black person in the class or program. It can be difficult because when you don't have anyone with a similar background to connect with while pursuing a career goal, you internalize a lot of things that may be incongruent to your own wellbeing. In class or meetings, I always had to hesitate to express my opinion when it was different from others because if they didn't like it or agree with it, I'd feel further isolated. On the other hand, due to growing up in this environment, people have also told me that I'm not "Black enough," which hurts a lot. I'm still growing and learning, but the greatest lesson I've learned so far is to show up as yourself because you can't control how others respond to you. Do your best with the best intentions.

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

Yes! While I've had many great teachers and preceptors who've helped me develop my clinical skillset, my closest mentors have helped me work on my mindset. It's amazing how much can change when someone believes in you and encourages you to believe in yourself. I feel more confident to pursue my goals in all areas of life.

WHY DO YOU THINK DIVERSIFYING THIS FIELD IS IMPORTANT?

Representation matters. As I've expressed, my early feelings of isolation and low self-esteem stemmed from a lack of seeing people like me in this field. For many people this includes race, ethnicity, size, sexual orientation, physical ability and gender, but for me it also points to issues of upbringing and educational background. Other than myself, I do not know 1 person who I attended high school or college with that's a Registered Dietitian. I also don't know anyone I grew up with in my neighborhood who's an RD. I think it mostly stems from the fact that this career is not promoted in every circle, although it's so important. I think change is recognizing that certain career paths are promoted to certain types of people and not to everyone; that needs to be deconstructed.

WHAT IS A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A STUDENT OF COLOR INTERESTED IN ENTERING THE FIELD OF DIETETICS?

Your enthusiasm matters. Your unique perspective matters. Your frustration matters. Your struggle matters. Your doubts matter. Your achievements matter. Your future matters. You, my fellow colleague, matter and belong in this space. When you have questions or opinions, work through any fear you may have and express them.