Diversity Committee Report Spring 2008

The Diversity Committee’s charge serves as the framework for the 2007-2008 accomplishments.

Goal #1
Facilitates recruitment of, retention of and leadership development for individuals from underrepresented groups as identified by the Association.

  • Presented the 2007 Diversity Action Award to the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association for their program that includes a variety of activities such as library events, school counselor workshops, scholarships and career information.
  • Promoted Diversity Mentoring Toolkit on ADA Web site.
  • Hosted Diversity luncheon and information booth at FNCE 2007. Showcased first Member Interest Group, Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition (LAHIDAN).
  • Reviewed Diversity Philosophy Statement.
  • Reviewed diversity statistics for CADE approved programs. Began a dialogue with Dietetic Educators of Practitioners DPG for future collaborations.
  • Reviewed Membership statistics for culture and gender diversity.
  • Discussed ADA ballot in regard to Diversity representation. The 2008 ballot had 46 positions of which 15 were minority members including males. Six of the minority members were elected.
  • Continued to update information on the website to make it easier to access diversity materials.

Goal #2
Strives to increase members’ understanding and awareness of issues related to diversity through activities and campaigns throughout the year designed to increase that understanding and awareness.

  • Supported 2007 Presidents’ Lecture, Taking a Look at Our Nation’s Health presented by John Ruffin, PhD, Director National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, NIH.
  • Began to explore through the Association Forum of Chicagoland what other Associations do in regard to diversity and cultural competence.
  • Provided feedback to HLT Work Group on HOD Motion #2, Health Disparities.
  • Part of HOD Team that developed May, 2007 HOD session on cultural competence.
  • Supported development of Member Interest Groups including LAHIDAN, (mentioned above), National Organization of Men in Nutrition, and Chinese Americans in Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Participated in a student networking roundtable and a Marketplace of Ideas at the 11th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved and Cancer hosted by the Intercultural Cancer Council.

The Diversity Committee would like to recognize the contribution made to the Association’s diversity agenda by Genny Trinko, Vice President of Human Relations who passed away in July 2007. Her commitment to moving the diversity program forward was outstanding. She enriched all our lives with her smile and generous spirit.

More detailed information is available on the ADA member-only Web site.

For additional information, please contact Karen Lechowich, klechowich@eatright.org or 800/877-1600 ext 4775.

2007-2008 Diversity Committee
David H Holben, PhD, RD, LD, Chair
Eunshil Shim-McKenna, MAg, RD, LD, Vice-Chair
JoAnn Pegues, MPA, RD, Member
Soniya M Perl, MS, RD, Member
Judith C Rodriguez, PhD, RD, FADA, Member
Naomi Trostler, PhD, RD, Member
Karen A Lechowich, MBA, RD, Headquarters Partner

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