10/06/2010

ODA member selected as ADA Diversity Leader

The ADA Diversity Committee, chaired by Daniel Reyes with members, Cheryl Bittle, Caroline Chinn, Lori Jones, Nicholas Hines, and Irma Gutierrez is pleased to announce the ADA 2010-2011 ADA Diversity Leaders:

Viola Fields Holmes, MS, RD, CD is from Charlottesville, VA. Viola is a Certified Diabetes Educator at the University of Virginia Health System, Diabetes Education and Management Program. She received her bachelor and master's degrees from James Madison University in Virginia. In her application letter, Viola calls herself "a dietitian of the people." She contributes a monthly nutrition column to the local newspaper for 4 years and receives numerous invitations in particular from the African American community to speak at faith-based and wellness initiatives, community health fairs, community garden activities and many others. She also is active in the Spanish community providing training on nutrition and diabetes tor the Nelson County Rural Health Outreach Program. She has become a SuperUser for a new health system-wide electronic medical record and will assist in the training of the outpatient clinicians on the system. She is a member of the Diabetes Care and Education and Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Groups and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Lorna Fuller, MS, RD, LD is from Cleveland, OH.  Lorna is Senior Recruiter, Clinical Team, Talent Acquisition for Sodexo. She received AAS in dietetic technology from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, a bachelor degree at the University of Akron, OH and master's degree from Kent State University, Kent, OH. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Cleveland State University. Lorna has served as president of the Cleveland Dietetic Association and a member of the Ohio Board of Dietetics. She recently served as the Professional Issues Chair for the Ohio Dietetic Association. She has served on the African American Leadership Forum in Sodexo where she was elected national secretary. She is active in the Greater Cleveland Health Education & Service Council and in her church as a Sunday School Teacher and District Choir President. She is a member of National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN).

Monisha Panda, MS, RD, LDN is from Pittsburgh, PA.  Monisha is a Renal Dietitian for Fresenius Medical Care. She received her bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, PA. Monisha was president of her school's student dietetic association and was the Founder of the Graduate Student Dietetic Association. In these roles she coordinated trips to attend FNCE and ADA's Public Policy Workshop in Washington, DC. She also participated in the University of Pittsburgh's Emerging Leaders Program and on the Hindu Student Council. She has been active in the ADA Student Council Advisory Board. Monisha is interested in career development for high school and college students from underrepresented groups and worked with the Pittsburgh Dietetic Association to develop a new student mentoring program. She served as an intern for the International Food Information Council and Giant Eagle, Inc.

Denine Rogers, RD,LD is from Douglasville, GA.  Denine is a Nutritional Consultant Faculty Member for the Eli Lilly-Fearless African American Connected and Empowered Program and Nutrition Consultant Wellpoint--HMC. Denine received an AS degree from Westchester Community College and a bachelor degree from Howard University, Washington, DC. She has completed special education programs in sign language, natural health and wellness, medical coding and Spanish. In the workplace, she has served as a volunteer Diversity Cultural Workplace Ambassador for WellPointBlue Cross and Blue Shield in Atlanta, GA. In this program she led the diversity and culture corporate team for the Greater Cobb County Area. In addition to her work responsibilities, she is an active volunteer for the American Association of Diabetes Educators and chair of their African American Specialty Practice Group. She has served as the Nominating Committee Chair for the Greater Atlanta Dietetic Association and as chair for the Legislative Committee for the Greater Atlanta Association of Diabetes Educators. She is active in the Health and Fitness Ministries of the United in Christ Christian Church.

As the first step in the Diversity Leaders Program, they will attend the 2010 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo. We encourage you to meet them during FNCE and to get to know more of their backgrounds and contributions to the profession. We will introduce the Diversity Leaders at the Diversity Reception that will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Seaport Hotel, Lighthouse l, Plaza level from 8-9:30pm. Please join us and bring colleagues that would like to honor and encourage the new Leaders as they begin their program. Please contact Karen Lechowich, if you need specific information about the new Diversity Leaders.

Karen Lechowich, MBA, RD
Executive Administrator
Diversity, Alliances & International Relations
American Dietetic Association
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606
312-899-4775
klechowich@eatright.org