Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025!

On May 30th, I had the honor of speaking to the graduating class of dietetic interns at Children’s Hospital Colorado—a passionate and purpose-driven group preparing to launch their careers in nutrition and dietetics. As someone who began their own career in clinical care and has since carved a path into entrepreneurship in diabetes care and education, I was thrilled to share my story and a few reflections from the journey.

A Winding but Worthwhile Path

As a naive and stubborn high school graduate, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my career, only that I loved educating (but didn’t quite want to be a teacher), enjoyed problem-solving, and especially found purpose in helping people access the tools and resources they needed to succeed.

After graduating from American University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and a focus in health, I met my future husband and set off for South America to tutor English, living the scrappy, carefree life of a 20-something “exploring” the world.

Upon return to the U.S., I struggled to find my niche until I met someone in the dietetics program at MSU Denver. She was absolutely raving about the profession, the coursework, and the community. The way she described it, I knew I had found something I wanted to pursue. I didn’t have a specific path in mind, but that flexibility led me to my first job just a few years later at Denver Indian Health and Family Services.

Fast forward 12 years, a graduate degree, and a baby, I’m proud to say I’ve built my own business, authored a book chapter, and was honored as Colorado’s 2022 Diabetes Educator of the Year. None of these milestones came from knowing exactly what I was doing, but rant from being willing to try, connect, learn, and pivot.

The Case for Entrepreneurship

One of the messages I emphasized is that entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a business; it’s about solving problems creatively, identifying gaps in care, and designing services that meet real needs. Whether through direct patient care, industry consulting, or digital health integration, there is tremendous room for innovation within dietetics, especially in the field of diabetes care.

My work today includes contract partnerships with community clinicians, industry, start-ups, and one-on-one diabetes care and education through my private practice. It’s proof that your RDN credential can take you far beyond traditional settings.

Words of Wisdom for the New Grads

As they embark on the next phase of their careers, I shared three key reminders with the graduating class:

Network, Network, Network

Who you know is just as important as what you know. Relationships open doors, expand your thinking, and help you stay grounded in this profession. Whether it’s a mentor, peer, or colleague in a different discipline, the connections you build can shape your opportunities and sustain you throughout your career.

Admit What You Don’t Know

It’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is your willingness to find them, and to do so with humility and curiosity. In a constantly evolving field like nutrition and diabetes care, being a lifelong learner is one of the most valuable traits you can have.

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Everyone’s path in this field will look a little different. Focus on building a career that aligns with your values, not someone else’s version of success. Like the New York City Marathon, we’re all running our own race—together!

Let's Stay Connected

If you’re a new RDN (or soon-to-be one) exploring diabetes care, technology integration, or entrepreneurship in healthcare, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, collaboration, or a place to brainstorm your next steps, reach out anytime.

To the Class of 2025: Congratulations again. Your journey is just beginning—and the future of nutrition and dietetics is lucky to have you.