RDN Spotlight: Felice Ramallo, MSCN, RDN, LDN/CDN
What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.
Cuban-Italian American - I am the child of an immigrant (Cuban), and have a strong cultural identity on both sides in terms of food. We are a culinary/foodie family, and see food as so much more than nutrients; it's family, culture, connection, history, music, and joy.
Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?
I went to grad school (MS/DI) in 2019 at the University at Buffalo
Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?
I am passionate about helping others find joy and freedom in eating, lifestyle, and preventing/managing health conditions
What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?
I work at a women's health (PCOS) tech start-up. We have a collaborative care platform where patients get a full care team to address all aspects of the condition. I was the first dietitian on the team, and not even a year later, I am managing our nutrition department. I work from home, and every day looks different; but I work on a variety of projects, and have meetings with a variety of people and teams including patients, public relations/marketing, operations, product/tech, nutrition/RDs, providers/MDs/NPs, etc.
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?
Being young. I am in a position where I have a lot of responsibility. I have a lot of know-how and have always gleaned so much direct and indirect knowledge and experience from all of my educational and personal experiences - that's how I'm in this position (plus some luck). However, I often choose or am recommended to keep my age or years of experience on the down-low. I am ambitious, confident, and creative as a leader in my company and my field (PCOS/women's health), However, I have to find ways to be confident in my knowledge, but remain open to learning more constantly.
Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?
Not formally, though, I surround myself with people (especially those who identify as women) who are great leaders and RDs, and can offer me thoughtful advice.
Why do you think diversifying this field is important?
Representation is necessary to offer appropriate, respectful, and connected care.
What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?
In the vast majority of cases: speak your piece, share your experience, and be confident that your perspective is valid. Make a space for yourself at the table. Be kind, and open yourself to learn from others as you have the bandwidth for as well.