Communication Committee
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The Communication Committee is responsible for providing timely and comprehensive information to NOBIDAN members about programs, workshops, upcoming meetings, activities, governmental issues through various communication channels, including our quarterly e-newsletter, social media, and email. See below for our Communication Committee leaders.
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Nijya Saffo, MS, RDN, LD
Communication Committee Chair
Nijya Saffo has a passion for all things Fitness & Nutrition! Nijya is a Registered Dietitian, the owner of NK Fitness and Nutrition, LLC, and a Corporate Registered Dietitian and Wellness Coach. Nijya instructs dance and nutrition classes for fitness centers and worksite wellness programs. Nijya has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity from The University of Southern California. Nijya loves helping her clients reach their nutritional and fitness goals!
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Kaydine Edwards, BS
Newsletter Editor
Kaydine Edwards is a recent graduate of Brooklyn College with a bachelor's in Health and Nutrition Science. She has taught nutrition and served at-risk populations through food distribution services.
She is the author of the blog titled ‘The Holistic Health Nut’ where she shares recipes, and information on health and nutrition. During her time at Brooklyn College, she worked in a research lab studying the relationship between choline intake and child development in maternal-fetal pairs using mice and human models. She has research experience in both nutrition and microbiology, and presented her work at various conferences across the country. Publications include an abstract in Current Developments in Nutrition. Kaydine wants to continue to contribute to the field of nutrition through research, social justice, and policy changes. She will begin her Ph.D. this fall at Cornell University and intend to acquire her Registered Dietitian credential.
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Jeremy Embola, MS, DTR
Associate Newsletter Editor
Jeremy Embola works in food quality assurance and enjoys learning about the interactions between micronutrients and phytochemicals and their impact on health. He has a bachelors in Dietetics from California State University, Chico and a Masters in Nutritional Science with an emphasis on Food Science from California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, he holds a publication in the Journal of Food Research disseminating the polyphenolic and antioxidant properties of a native Caribbean bark beverage. In his free time, he enjoys reading autobiographies about those who have overcome adversity, learning new languages and reading the latest research findings in nutrition and food science.
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Lorna P. Fuller, MS, RD, LD
Linked In Correspondent
Lorna Fuller is a Sr. HR /Training Manager for Sodexo in Cleveland, OH, supporting two Vice-Presidents for technical training in the midwest in addition to her HR responsibilities. Lorna was previously employed at Sodexo as a Recruitment Manager with oversight of seven Clinical Sr. Recruiters responsible for recruiting Dietitians throughout North America. Lorna earned her A.A.S. from Cuyahoga Community College, B.S in Dietetics from the University of Akron, and an M.S. in Dietetics from Kent State University. Lorna’s health & wellness activities started in the mid-’90s. Serving as President of Cleveland Dietetic Association, member of Ohio Board of Dietetics (OBD), Council on Professional Issues (OAND), Secretary, and recently elected as Delegate-Elect 2020-21. Additionally, she served as: Diversity Leader, Chair of the NOBIDAN, and member on the Academy’s Nominating Committee. Lorna is a native Clevelander and is active in various church activities ranging from Sunday School Teacher to past District Choir President. Her favorite positive affirmation borrowed from Les Brown is ‘if you want to soar like eagles, leave those pigeons alone.”
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Nijya Saffo, MS, RDN, LD
Facebook and Instagram Correspondent
Nijya Saffo has a passion for all things Fitness & Nutrition! Nijya is a Registered Dietitian, the owner of NK Fitness and Nutrition, LLC, and a Corporate Registered Dietitian and Wellness Coach. Nijya instructs dance and nutrition classes for fitness centers and worksite wellness programs. Nijya has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity from The University of Southern California. Nijya loves helping her clients reach their nutritional and fitness goals!
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Angela Roberson, RD, LDN
Facebook Student Correspondent
Angela Roberson completed her dietetic internship at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Angela graduated summa cum laude from Morgan State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition in 2019. She was the recipient of the School of Community and Health Policy’s ACCESS award and inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. A long-time proponent of living a healthy and active life, she found her purpose in helping others through fitness. Motivated to change occupations, she obtained certifications in group fitness instruction and personal training. After freelancing for 5 years, Angela opened her own fitness center in 2002 and was a frequent guest on several local TV fitness segments, as well as highlighted in write-ups in several publications including The Baltimore Sun, The Baltimore Times, and The Catonsville Times. In 2010, she received the distinction “Woman of the Year in Business” from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for recognition of her successful business and her community outreach with the House of Ruth, Bea Gaddy Foundation and local schools. Being able to provide individuals with nutrition interventions that will improve their quality of life while acknowledging the cultural significance that food holds remains her motivation.
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Asha McElroy
Content Creator
Asha McElroy is a senior earning her Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She has served in several leadership positions including President of the Food and Nutritional Sciences Club, and Communications Chair for the dean’s student council in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. In addition, Asha has worked as an undergraduate researcher in several summer research experiences for undergraduates at Howard University in the Department of Pharmacology and the University of Minnesota in the Department of Horticulture. Asha had the opportunity to present her research at the Fall 2019 Research Symposium and College of Agriculture and Environmental Science Student Showcase of Excellence hosted at North Carolina A & T SU. Through these experiences, Asha has developed a passion to educate all on different ways to use food for health. Her future plans include becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and work in a community health setting. Implementing nutrition interventions for underrepresented populations. Asha has a passion for food, she enjoys trying out new recipes in the kitchen and gardening.
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Membership Committee
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Jacqueline A. Futch, MPH
Membership Committee Chair
Jacqueline A. Futch is a public health nutritionist professional and proud Floridian from Miami, FL. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from The Florida State University, followed by a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (SPHTM) in New Orleans, LA. Jacqueline focuses nutrition efforts on anti-hunger initiatives, food security and resilience, and social determinants of diet behavior. She has worked for Tulane Prevention Research Center as a research assistant, The Food Trust as a nutrition educator, and Second Harvest Food Bank as a nutrition coordinator where she managed several child hunger programs. She completed her dietetic internship at Tulane SPHTM and is currently the Senior Program Manager of Community Health & Nutrition at Feeding Texas in Austin, TX.Ad
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Diversity Liaison
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Jasmine Westbrook, RD, LDN
Diversity Liaison
Jasmine Westbrook, RD, LDN, is the diversity liaison for NOBIDAN. The basic principles of the diversity liaison is to plan and facilitate diversity outreach to meet Academy and affiliate strategic plan goals, promote the profession to diverse individuals, and increase cultural competency of current practitioners. The position seeks Diversity-Equity-Inclusion (DEI) grant awards and opportunities from the Academy's Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Grants program and from external sources. The diversity liaison works with the Communications Committee, Finance Committee, Honors & Awards Committee, and Public Policy Panel to help disseminate and highlight diversity advocacy efforts. NOBIDAN encourages member participation through recruiting and engaging Diversity Liaison ambassadors.
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Mentorship Committee
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The Mentorship Committee is responsible for coordinating NOBIDAN’s mentorship program and encourages networking and collaboration among NOBIDAN members. It also works with NOBIDAN’s Executive Committee to establish relationships with colleges and universities, particularly HBCUs, to enhance diversity in the field and better support students.
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June M. Thompson MS, RDN, FAND
Mentoring Chair
June M. Thompson MS, RDN, FAND has a broad range of experience in renal nutrition and has served in various professional organizations dedicated to it, including the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina Counsel of Renal Nutrition. She has also served as a Past President of N.C. Counsel of Renal Nutrition (1995-1997), (2014-2016), and was voted Dietitian of the Year (1996) by the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina. Her specialty is in serving lower socioeconomic populations and helping them to make healthy food choices within their budgets. She sees dietetics as not just a job, but a ministry. She has been married to Tony L. Thompson for 36 years and is the proud parent of two adult children Kenya Danielle and Tony Lee II.
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Tornia Anderson Morgan, RD, LDN, CPT
Exam Study Coordinator
Tornia is currently an outpatient bariatric dietitian in Baltimore, Maryland. She recently completed her dietetic internship at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), where she spent most of her training in several Intensive Care Units. She earned her BS in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the District of Columbia in 2019. While preparing for the RD exam, Tornia and colleagues participated in group study sessions that led to an impressive 100% pass rate of all regular attendees. This achievement led to the development of the ongoing efforts to increase diversity in the field of nutrition and dietetics by aiding dietetic students in passing the RD exam.
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Angela Roberson, RD, LDN, CPT
Exam Study Coordinator
Angela Roberson, RD, LDN is a clinical dietitian with Healthcare Services Group, serving 120+ long-term care residents and sub-acute rehabilitation patients recovering from injuries, wounds and infections, and polysubstance addiction. Angela completed her dietetic internship at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. A graduate of Morgan State University earning a BS in Nutrition in 2019, she was the recipient of the School of Community and Health Policy’s ACCESS award and inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. A long-time proponent of living a healthy and active life, she found her purpose in helping others through fitness. Motivated to change occupations, she obtained certifications in group fitness instruction and personal training, and within 5 years opened her own fitness center in 2002. Angela appeared on several local TV fitness segments, was highlighted in write-ups in several publications including The Baltimore Sun, The Baltimore Times, and The Catonsville Times, and in 2010 received the distinction “Woman of the Year in Business” from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for recognition of her successful business and community outreach with the House of Ruth, Bea Gaddy Foundation and local schools. Providing individuals with nutrition interventions that will improve their quality of life while acknowledging the cultural significance that food holds remains her motivation.
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Professional Development Committee
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The Professional Development Committee is responsible for providing educational and training opportunities for NOBIDAN members including webinars, journal clubs, and CPEU presentations at FNCE(r). New for 2020 is the inclusion of CPEU articles in our quarterly newsletters. The goal of the professional development opportunities is to enhance NOBIDAN members' professional knowledge and skills at each career stage through technical information exchange, facilitation of research opportunities and encouragement of diversity in professional development.
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Phyllis Gatewood, RDN, LD
Professional Development Chair
Phyllis Gatewood is a Chief of Nutrition and Food Services for a multi-site Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Care hospital that includes inpatient beds, a long-term care facility, a Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. She has oversight for the Food Service Operation and Medical Nutrition Therapy provided by Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications with a minor in Public Relations from Illinois State University. After gaining experience as a Human Resources practitioner, she pursued an interest in the field of nutrition. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition from Michigan State University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Hines VA Medical Center. She has worked in various clinical practice areas during her VA career that includes Regional Coordinator for the weight management program, Certified Diabetes Educator, Clinical Dietitian for Home-Based Primary Care and Outpatient Nutrition clinics, and preceptor to dietetic interns rotating through Neurology, Intermediate Care, and surgical specialty areas. She volunteers with a community food program for disadvantaged families. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
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Maya Rashad
Professional Development Committee Member
Maya Rashad is a senior nutritional science student currently enrolled in Howard University's Coordinated Program in Dietetics. She has a passion for helping to bridge the gap between food and medicine and has previously served as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Linda Thompson's "Food as Medicine Study." On campus, Maya serves as a staff member of Howard University's Student Administration Campus Health Department, and she has served on her school's College of Nursing and Allied Health Student Council since her sophomore year. During her time at Howard, she continues to use her upbringing in Memphis, TN as motivation to help serve underserved populations who don't have access to nutrition education and healthy food sources. After graduation, she is eager to dive into the realm of clinical nutrition and eventually become a Board-Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition.
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Public Policy Committee
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The Public Policy Committee serves as a liaison to the Academy and the MIG by tracking current nutrition-related issues that affect our members and the public. Activities include: planning policy-related activities, providing comments on relevant legislation that impact the field of nutrition and dietetics. Some of the priority areas for the committee include food insecurity, Medicare coverage for MNT for prediabetes, chronic kidney disease, healthy food access, and food deserts, and diversity in the field of dietetics. The committee also encourages members to attend the Public Policy Workshop sponsored by the Academy in Washington D.C. or local and state affiliates.
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Judith C. Anglin, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND
Public Policy Committee Chair
Judith is a nutrition scientist and a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with approximately twenty years of experience in clinical practice and research – renal nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, nutritional status, clinical nutrition, and public health/community nutrition. She has conducted studies and published journal articles in peer review journals assessing the nutritional status of patients with chronic diseases including obesity, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia. The New York Times and Chicago Tribune has featured her obesity study. Judith is currently the principal investigator for two (2) renal related studies, examining nutritional status. She served on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Diversity Committee. She is the Education Chair of the Augusta Locally Grown. Judith is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the MS-DI program at Augusta University. She is also a proud Howard University Graduate and Alumnus.
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Research Committee
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The Research Committee serves as a liaison between the Academy and NOBIDAN to track, report or disseminate pertinent information that affects the NOBIDAN membership or the public. The committee also helps to organize NOBIDAN FNCE Spotlight Sessions and assists with recruiting NOBIDAN members to submit abstracts and poster sessions to FNCE(R). The Research Committee is open to new members and new ideas. If interested in getting involved or sharing ideas, please contact the Research Committee Co-Chairs, Chauntelle Jack-Roberts, MS, RD, LDN and Loneke T. Blackman Carr, PhD, RD.
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Chauntelle Jack-Roberts, MS, RD, LDN
Research Committee Co-Chair
Chauntelle Jack-Roberts is a Clinical Dietitian residing in Maryland. She is a Trinidadian/American who relocated from Brooklyn, NY. She holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, attained from Brooklyn College (CUNY). She is an alumnus of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dietetic program. Her passion lies in health promotion within the Women, Maternal and Child populations, with a specific focus on enhancing breastfeeding rates and outcomes. She provides medical nutrition therapy for individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and other nutrition-related diseases. Chauntelle has contributed to the field of Dietetics with publications specific to prenatal epigenetics as it relates to metabolic causes of childhood obesity. She has done research with gestational diabetic mothers looking at the influence of diet as it relates to fetal birth weight. Chauntelle aspires to conduct research on diet and breast milk quality whilst completing her Ph.D. She has past experiences as a food service manager, human resource manager, research assistant, education coordinator, and lecturer. Her main goal is to be a Professor and avid lecturer while researching innovative topics within nutrition to promote the health of females in every stage of life.
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Loneke T. Blackman Carr, PhD, RD
Research Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Blackman Carr is an Assistant Professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Connecticut and has been a registered dietitian since 2010. Her expertise is in behavioral weight control interventions with an emphasis on addressing obesity in Black women. She develops and evaluates interventions that leverage social relationships to improve weight loss and related diet and physical activity behavior change. As Co-Chair of the Research Committee for NOBIDAN she aims to bring her research training and expertise to the forefront to meet the needs and interests of the dietetic community.
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