✨A Bilingual Dietitian Who Doubles as a Disney Princess

Some careers are chosen; others are felt deeply — almost like a calling.

For Karina, that calling began while being a translator for local dietitians during her undergraduate years. What started as language support quickly became something more. “I soon learned that it was not only translating that needed to be done,” she recalls, “but also the explanation of dietary culture and customs for members of the Latinx community.”

That moment sparked her passion for representation in nutrition — and set her on the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

But like many aspiring dietitians, the road wasn’t easy. Between graduate school, internships, and the financial barriers that often come with pursuing credentialing, Karina needed support to reach the finish line.

That support came through Diversify Dietetics.

In 2022, Karina received a $30,000 scholarship through DD, funded by HUM Nutrition, which allowed her to complete her coordinated master’s program in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity — and earn her RDN certification.  “I’m so glad there’s a community like Diversify Dietetics that encourages and supports students from underrepresented groups,” she says.

Since then, Karina has gone on to make her mark in the field, serving diverse communities with care, understanding, and cultural humility. And in true DD fashion, she’s continued to follow her dreams — both inside and outside the world of nutrition.

Today, Karina is taking a well-earned pause from her work as a dietitian to step into another lifelong dream — performing as a Disney Princess. You can catch her strolling, dancing or waltzing by the castle at Disneyland. 👑

Her story is a beautiful reminder that our careers, like our communities, can evolve — that sometimes, pivoting toward joy is the most powerful thing we can do.

“Know that what you bring to the table is valuable, unique, and necessary. Everyone's story is different — different life experiences, different obstacles to overcome, and different victories to celebrate. Bringing the aspects that make you different into your career are what will make you shine.”

We’re going to the week embodying this energy of pursuing dreams to Karina — We couldn’t be prouder to have been part of her journey.

Special thanks to Tanya Caves for helping bring this story to life and Karina Castillo Dillon for sharing her story and images with us!