By Guest Blogger Lorna Fuller, Sr. Recruiter –Clinical at Sodexo
Having just completed my commitment as an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diversity Leader (formerly the American Dietetic Association or ADA), I’d like to reflect upon my year-long journey.
In the fall of 2010, I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to make an impact within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Unsure of what a “Diversity Leader” was and with some trepidation, I applied for the program and was happily accepted.
My first stop as a Diversity Leader was the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Boston, MA. During my orientation, I met with other Diversity Leaders to learn about the Academy’s Strategic Plan and initiatives led by then Vice-President, Sylvia Escott Stump (Sylvia in the middle and me to her right.)
The second stop was to attend the Public Policy Workshop in Washington, DC. I watched public policy in action. I heard testimonials from Registered Dietitians, Political leaders and various interest groups. Participants were privy to both federal and state legislative updates and messages.
The third stop was the Diversity Committee meeting, held at the AND headquarters in Chicago, IL. During this 2 day event, I learned that as the largest provider of dietetic scholarships, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation awards more than $200,000 in funding every year to deserving students at all levels of study.
As a committee, we were also was charged with creating a cultural program for the 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE). It was an excellent opportunity for us to participate in the Academy’s first mentoring project video. Imagine my surprise to see myself as part of the FNCE Opening Session video!
I cannot stress enough the importance of paying it forward and raising your hand to become a mentor. Anyone can do it! Now that I have finished my Diversity Leadership role, I have signed up to become a Diversity Mentor. Be sure to send me your ideas on what you could do as a Diversity Mentor.
Some of you may be wondering what my next stop will be. I’ll give you a sneak preview, I have volunteered to Chair a Diversity Committee in Ohio. If you want to learn more about my diversity journey, connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook or even Twitter. Until we connect; stay tuned… my diversity journey continues.
1 comments:
Lorna, congrats on your diversity journey. Knowledge is power, but freely sharing knowledge by giving to others or "paying it forward" is key to success. I look forward to following along with you. Thanks for the inspiration!
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