Danielle Smiley inspires and empowers women to live by their design

After spending 15 years working in public health, Danielle Smiley knew she wanted to empower her community to see that their cultural foods are healthy too and that small, sustainable changes can help people reach their goals. Still, she needed guidance and support to take the next step. 

When she first began exploring a career in dietetics, she wasn’t sure where to start. “Before finding the DD community, I felt a bit lonely,” she recalls. “No one around me who looked like me was pursuing the credential. I wasn’t sure how I could move forward after being out of school for so long.”

Danielle remembers, “I was feeling burnt out as a WIC director and scrolling Instagram, wondering what could come next. Then I found the Diversify Dietetics page and saw dietitians who looked like me. I was so encouraged by the message that we were not alone.”

Danielle reached out to DD co-founder Deanna, who offered the encouragement she needed to keep going. Through Diversify Dietetics’ Mentor program and professional development opportunities, including entrepreneurship and media training, Danielle began to see a clear path forward.

credit: Danielle Smiley

In 2020, she was paired with her first mentor, Dustin, who supported her through the dietetic internship process. “He helped me stay calm and confident while applying for the match,” she says. “I matched with my first choice, completed my internship in 2022, and passed my credentialing exam in 2023.”

Today, Danielle proudly holds the RDN credential she once thought was out of reach. She continues to inspire others in her community, sharing the same encouragement she received. “After finding the DD community, I feel like I’m never alone,” she shares. “I’ve made so many meaningful connections. Attending FNCE this year, I saw familiar faces and felt comfortable introducing myself. I found my village with DD.”

For the past two years, Danielle has also given back to the community that helped her grow. She has attended the Diversify Dietetics Annual Summit and volunteered her time as a moderator for several sessions, helping to foster connection and conversation among aspiring and practicing dietitians alike.

Her message to future dietitians is simple and powerful: “Keep going. You don’t have to do it alone. The DD community has built an amazing village to help you soar.”

Danielle’s journey is a beautiful example of perseverance, connection, and the power of representation. Because of her determination and the support of the DD community, she is helping others see what is possible when passion meets purpose.