RDN Spotlight: Luis Gonzalez, MS, RD
Follow Luis on IG @dietitian.photographer
What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.
Hispanic. You can't have Noche Buena without lechón!
Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?
Florida International University
Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?
I always wanted to go into the health field and I was enthralled by nutrition science. Once I learned the many opportunities available to me as a Registered Dietitian I knew I was in the right field!
What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?
In my day job, I'm an Account Coordinator at a nutrition communications/PR agency. My days usually entail coordinating educational programs, researching cutting-edge nutrition topics, promoting evidence-based nutrition messages, and managing client relationships.
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 to becoming an RD was Organic Chemistry! (JK - but not really) The most difficult decision I had to make was to quit working so that I could go through the internship. I had an amazing support system and I was able to get through the internship with student loans.
Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?
I'm grateful to have had many mentors throughout my career. At every level, I've been able to find people that I can rely on for advice. Whether they've been my boss, colleague, or a friend, these mentors have given me clarity, helped to ground my goals, and even recommended me for jobs. I wouldn't be where I am today without mentorship.
Why do you think diversifying this field is important?
Lived experiences are so important in the type of work that almost all RDs engage in. Having unique perspectives helps to connect with the people we help and bring new ideas to the profession overall. Nutrition professionals must be representative of the people they serve so that they can have a voice.
What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?
If you're looking around for someone who looks like you in a niche space and you can't find anyone, then it’s up to you to be the first and pave the way for others.