RDN Spotlight - AJ Licarte, RD, LDN

What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.

I am Filipino. My parents immigrated to the US from the Philippines when I was 3 years old. My siblings and I grew up eating Filipino food as my dad did most of the cooking. Food has always been a big part of my family and culture - eating meals together is very important to us.

Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?

I went to La Salle University. I did my undergrad and completed my DI through their coordinated program.

Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?

I feel as though nutrition touches everyone. I’ve always had an interest in health and wellness. I love how broad the field is!

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?

I am definitely a reserved/shy person, therefore, one of the many challenges would definitely be public speaking and talking in front of a crowd. It’s something to master with practice and it is definitely a very important skill to have as an RD… now I don’t mind it and that’s what I do! Gaining confidence takes time but remember, you are the expert!

Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?

My preceptors as well as professors for sure.

Why do you think diversifying this field is important?

I think diversity is a beautiful thing - Having different backgrounds and perspectives will definitely expand this field and just being aware as a nutritional professional will help provide better nutritional care to our patients, clients, and the community.

What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?

As challenging as the RD2Be process may be, keep pushing because it’s worth it! Make every day of your internship count. Learning does not stop once we’re RDs.