What is the IDEA committee?
The CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics IDEA Committee’s mission is to promote and raise awareness of removing obstacles in Dietetics by embracing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) principles. The Academy recognizes and respects differences in ability, age, creed, culture, education, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity, geographic region, language, lived experiences, mental health, military experience, national origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic characteristics, values, work experiences and all types of diversity in the nutrition and dietetics profession.
What are we doing?
*Applying for the IDEA Grants
*Inclusion Corner – The “Inclusion Corner” offers a bi-monthly forum for marginalized dietetic students and professionals to share experiences and discuss challenges. Over six months, participants can explore topics like barriers, advocacy, and diversity. There will also be a session that welcomes those outside marginalized groups who want to understand and support diversity in the field. The corner fosters empathy and allyship within the dietetic community through open dialogue. This will be starting in 2025.
*IDEA Members Survey – Coming soon.
How to Join!
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Current Members
Brianne Brathwaite- Chair
What do you do?
I am the CEO and Founder of EAT For Success, a specialized private practice and nutrition consulting
company. We offer personalized support for individuals and groups who seek holistic wellness through
food and lifestyle education. Our services include one-on-one counseling for eating disorders, educational workshops, and corporate wellness programs.
Description of why you joined the IDEA committee:
As a Black dietitian, I represent less than 3% of the profession. However, the groups I have served as a Registered Dietitian (RD) have been 80% BIPOC. I want to demonstrate that there is no singular image of what a dietitian looks like and that cultural foods and diverse ways of life should be celebrated and promoted. I am here to advocate for the importance of diversity!
Diversity goal:
To create a safe environment for marginalized communities in dietetics.
LinkedIn: Brianne Brathwaite
Website: www.eatforsuccess.com
Milton Stokes – Committee Member
What do you do?
I am the Senior Director of Food and Nutrition at the International Food Information Council, a nonprofit organization focused on consumer research and science communication based in Washington, DC.
Why I joined the IDEA committee:
I joined for both personal and professional reasons. I value curiosity and learning, and I hope to gain insights into different cultures and food practices.
Diversity goal:
My goal related to diversity is to educate myself on best practices for promoting inclusion and diversity. I aim to use this knowledge to support the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in recruiting and fostering a more diverse membership.
LinkedIn: Milton Stokes
Anna Barbosa – Student Member
What are you doing now?
I am currently a student at the University of Connecticut, pursuing my Master’s Degree in Health Promotion Sciences while completing my Dietetic Internship.
Reason for joining the IDEA Committee:
I joined the IDEA Committee because I am passionate about bringing diversity to the nutrition and dietetics field and elevating a variety of voices.
Diversity Goal:
My goal is to increase the number of diverse student members actively participating in the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
