RDN Spotlight: Dominique Harris, MS, RD, LDN
What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.
Biracial- African American and white.
Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?
Undergrad: Auburn University Graduate: Auburn University Dietetic Internship: Oakwood University
Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?
I always enjoyed cooking and learning about the body. Dietetics combines the best of both worlds.
What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?
I spent time in WIC and food service management. Currently, I work as a Renal RDN. A typical day consists of assessments, lab reviews, education, and working with my interdisciplinary team to provide the best care. After work hours, I work as an adjunct instructor with Tennesee State University. As an adjunct, I spend time 2-3 days a week teaching (Maternal and Child Nutrition this semester) and grading.
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?
My biggest challenge becoming an RD was getting into an internship. I did not get matched during my initial DICAS application. I finally was able to get into an ISSP DI, then had a baby and was unable to continue my internship. I wanted to finish what I started. With the help of family and friends, I applied to DICAS one more time and was able to make it work. The moral of the story, do not let anything get in the way of your goal. DICAS and the DI can be expensive with proper planning, you got this!
Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?
Yes. My mentors believed in me before I did. They encouraged me to follow my passions, pushed me beyond what I thought my limits were, and consistently reminded me to be diligent in working to accomplish my goals
Why do you think diversifying this field is important?
We make such a difference in outcomes and can relate culturally to the vast majority of those who need us.
What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?
Do not listen to the naysayers. Keep your eyes on the prize, stay creative, and make a difference.