Rewind: Do I Belong in This Field with Trinique Waters

Written By Deanna Belleny
 
 

In this special episode from the DD archives, Deanna sits down with Trinique Waters, RD, to reflect on navigating career doubt, finding belonging, and building confidence as a woman of color in dietetics. From struggling to find her first job post-internship to discovering her passion for maternal health and lactation consulting, Trinique shares a heartfelt journey that will resonate with any RD or RD-to-be questioning their place in the field. Whether you're early in your career or just feeling stuck, this episode is your reminder that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. This episode was originally recorded in December 2018. Trinique has now been a dietitian for six years and works as Friends Hospital.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Trinique’s Introduction to Dietetics (00:00)
    How a high school hospital rotation sparked her interest in using food to support health.

  • Facing Doubt After Graduation (03:00)
    The emotional toll of struggling to find a job and questioning her place in the field.

  • The Impact of Representation & Belonging (04:30)
    What it felt like being the only Black woman in her program and comparing her path to others.

  • Underutilizing Support & the Power of Networking (06:00)
    How opening up and seeking community could have made the journey less isolating.

  • From Food Service to Clinical: Embracing Career Detours (08:00)
    Why her first job wasn’t ideal—and how it became a stepping stone to where she is now.

  • Rebuilding Confidence in Clinical Nutrition (10:00)
    How reconnecting with clinical skills helped her feel a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

  • A New Passion: Lactation & Maternal Health (11:00)
    Her plans to support Black women through nutrition-focused lactation care.

  • Advice for RDs & RD2Bs Questioning Their Place (12:00)
    Why your passion—not your name, appearance, or background—is what makes you belong.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Trinique:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinique-rd/

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

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🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Deanna Belleny
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Money & Respect in Dietetics: What We Learned This Season