DEI Mission Statement

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics is dedicated to creating an inclusive professional community that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, improve patient care, and strengthen our profession.

A diverse healthcare workforce is essential to addressing the persistent health disparities that affect various communities across the United States. Research underscores that increasing diversity among healthcare professionals enhances the quality of care, making it more culturally competent and responsive to the diverse needs of our populations (Whelan et al., 2017; Endinjok & Augustin, 2022). However, systemic barriers continue to hinder the representation of minority groups in healthcare fields. Among the most significant challenges are limited academic and financial support, which disproportionately affect students from underrepresented communities, discouraging them from pursuing healthcare careers.

NJAND addresses these challenges by aligning with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics IDEA statement – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access.

Inclusion

The Academy strives to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered to contribute fully.

Diversity

Recognizing and valuing the differences among individuals, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical abilities, religion, and cultural backgrounds. Diversity encompasses the broad spectrum of human characteristics that contribute to the richness and complexity of society.

Equity

The Academy aims to ensure fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals, while actively addressing barriers that prevent full participation. This involves not only equality but also recognizing the need to address historical and systemic disparities that have affected marginalized communities.

Access

Ensuring that opportunities for education, professional development, and advancement are available to all individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This also involves breaking down barriers to entry and participation in dietetics and nutrition fields to ensure all people have the chance to succeed.

Commitment

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community of nutrition and dietetics professionals. In alignment with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), we are dedicated to creating opportunities for all individuals, celebrating our differences, and empowering all voices within the field.

Resources for Advancement

NJAND provides its members with valuable resources and professional development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, networking, and leadership initiatives that focus on issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, and other dimensions of diversity. These efforts are designed to promote inclusion and ensure equitable opportunities for all.

Call to Action

  • Become a member of NJAND to help shape policies and programs that advance equity and inclusivity in the dietetics field.
  • Participate in our upcoming events aimed at addressing health disparities and promoting inclusivity in dietetics.
  • Volunteer as a diversity liaison to contribute to making an impact within your community and the profession.

By embracing DEI, we move toward a healthcare workforce that better reflects the diverse needs of our communities, improving outcomes and advancing the nutrition and dietetics profession for all.

Diversity Liaisons

Chesney Blue, MPH, RDN

Andrea Uguna, MS

Cohen, N. L., Tran, T., & Suarez, P. (2015). Recruitment and training of underrepresented students in nutrition: the HANDS program experience. NACTA Journal, 59(1), 4+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A404592348/AONE?u=anon~a9c15a2e&sid=googleScholar&xid=2fb3fbf1

Endinjok, Frida, and Frankline Augustin. “Supporting Undergraduate Hispanic Students in Nutrition and Dietetics.” Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences, vol. 114, no. 1, 2022, pp. 13–19., https://doi.org/10.14307/jfcs114.1.13. 

 Whelan, Megan, et al. “Pushing Past Clichés: Latina and Black Women’s Perceptions of the Dietetics Major and Profession during Career Exploration.” Journal of Latinos and Education, vol. 17, no. 2, 2017, pp. 164–178., https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2017.1303772.