Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) and Professional Recruitment
Updated November 2025
About
The MAND Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee is dedicated to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in nutrition and dietetics. We celebrate and support the achievements of our diverse members. We empower students and dietetic interns to become future leaders who are committed to IDEA.
Key initiatives include developing yearly CPEU educational opportunities focused on inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and cultural competence. We also foster member engagement and learning on the MAND IDEA webpage. This is done through networking, events, resource sharing, and monthly cultural celebrations. The webpage features student spotlights and recipes that highlight the unique foods and customs of our MAND members.
Additionally, we increase awareness of the dietetics profession through outreach at schools, career fairs, and community events. The committee also collaborates with the Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MDEF) to provide diversity scholarships and awards, and free student Academy memberships to selected students, supporting the next generation of dietitians.
Our work is funded by the Academy’s annual Diversity Mini Grant, enabling us to continually advance diversity, inclusion, equity, and access throughout the profession.
Our work aligns with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
AND 2025-2030 Strategic Priorities
- Definitive Identity: Establish our reputation as the leading, evidence-based authority in food and nutrition.
- Partners and Communities: Expand our impact by engaging key audiences, such as healthcare partners and the public, to improve population health and create new opportunities for the profession.
- Shift in Culture: Foster an inclusive culture that welcomes and represents diverse perspectives in food and nutrition.
- Professional Empowerment: Equip nutrition professionals with the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve their communities and advance their careers.
- Operational Excellence: Strengthen internal operations by improving structure, technology, and processes to efficiently support our future goals.
MAND IDEA 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
- Offer annual CPEU educational events focused on inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and cultural competence.
- Enhance member engagement and learning through the MAND IDEA webpage by offering networking opportunities, events, and a variety of IDEA resources.
- Celebrate our diverse community with monthly cultural celebrations through, acknowledgements, student spotlights, and recipes highlighting members’ unique foods and traditions.
- Offering 15 free student Academy memberships to selected students.
- Highlight and support the diversity and accomplishments of our members, while empowering Academy students and dietetic interns to become future leaders who champion IDEA values.
- Raise awareness of the nutrition and dietetics profession by connecting with diverse audiences through schools, career fairs, and other community venues.
We Welcome All
We invite all voices to contribute and be heard, or to simply reach out for learning opportunities. If you would like to learn more about our committee or would like to participate, please contact:
Sarita Sharma sharma-sarita@aramark.com and take ~1 minute to fill in our committee interest form.
IDEA/State Professional Recruitment
Director/ Coordinator: 2025-2026 Sarita Sharma
Director/ Coordinator Elect: 2025-2026 Abigail Gentes
Previous Director/ Coordinator: 2024-2025: Christine Sinclair
Coming Soon…
- IDEA Webinars
Past IDEA Spotlights
- RD Spotlight - Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes
- Chinese New Year Taro Cake Recipe submitted by Quynh Tu, RD, LDN, CDCES
- Language Barriers and Healthcare Access with Quynh Tu, RD, LDN, CDCES
- AAPI Month 2022 Spotlight with Wendy Ng, RDN, LDN
- AAPI Month 2021 Spotlight with Rosalinda Sar
- Asian American Diabetes Initiative Spotlight with Ka Hei Karen Lau, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES
- Arab American Heritage Month Spotlight with Norah Ismail, MS, RD, LDN
- Middle Eastern DEI Spotlight with Reem Bou-Nacklie
Black History Month Spotlight with Sue-Ellen Anderson Haynes, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN, NASM-CPT - DEI Spotlight with Jay Patruno, RD, LDN, CPT
- The Less Traveled Path at MAND with Quynh Tu, RD, LDN, CDCES
- Celebrate Your Roots with Shennie Quintanilla, MS, RD, LDN
Additional AND IDEA Resources:
- Journal Collection: Cultural Competency and Diversity Collection; Stories and Spotlight; IDEA Definitions and Guidance for Appropriate Terminology; AND Member Interest Groups; Additional Resources; ACEND Resources; Foundation Awards and Scholarships; Books & Subscriptions; Resources From Other Organizations; Featured Webinars
News and Updates
- Culture of Belonging: An Update
- FNCE® 2024 Focus Group Summary
- Embedding IDEA through Cultural Transformation
- IDEA Action Plan Progress Report - June 2023
- Expanded Demographic Options Available to Members
- Academy Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Analysis
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee Update: Consultation and Collaboration
- LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Care Practices
- Disability Pride Month and How to Support
Guiding Principles All nutrition and dietetics professionals are expected to uphold key principles of conduct in public forums, including social media. These principles include demonstrating respect, encouraging constructive dialogue, discouraging the public belittling of colleagues, and consistently modeling professionalism. Learn more about these guiding principles, take the Pledge of Professional Civility, and see which Academy members have joined this important commitment
The Pledge of Professional Civility
- I pledge to demonstrate respect to my colleagues and all others.
- I pledge to support constructive dialogue and positive engagement.
- I pledge to discourage the public belittling of my colleagues, even when we do not agree.
- I pledge to model professional conduct in all my public communications and actions.
Pledge of Professional Civility - Food & Nutrition Magazine (food nutrition.org)
