2015-2016 Executive Board
President
Amairani Aleman
Beginning my academic career at FIU was quite confusing for me as I had no idea what to expect in college nor what was to be expected of me by the end of it. What I did know is the strong passion I had for the
dietetics field, but I didn't know where to
look or who to go to for guidance and support.
Well, thank goodness for Google because I
found the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) website and immediately contacted them. I made friends in SDA as quickly as I contacted them. I became involved as much as I could and gained such valuable experience and knowledge by the end of the year. I couldn't help but be a part of the SDA team, and started off as Treasurer and made my way up here. I couldn't be any happier.
My goal as a senior student and as president is to change lives in countless ways using nutrition education with empowering methods - whether it'd be for our SDA members, FIU students, children and teens we volunteer for, or adults we network with. I hope to inspire, motivate, and support anyone and everyone to strive to be their best, especially their best in health. After graduation, I aim to be a Registered Dietitian to specialize in integrative and functional medicine.
I could write on forever, but we need to continue making SDA everything you expect and more this year! Feel free to contact the team with any questions, suggestions, comments... you name it!
Secretary
Veronica Rueda
sda.fiu.secretary@gmail.com
Since I came back to school, my focus has been to become a dietitian and I couldn’t be happier of embarking in this wonderful journey. When I started the dietetics and nutrition program at FIU, I
realized how much more I love this aspect of healthcare and how I can use my acquired knowledge to help others.
I earned my A.A degree at Broward College and transferred to FIU in the fall of 2014. As soon as I started with my nutrition classes, I looked for a club that had its focus on nutrition. That’s when I found out about SDA! Immediately, I got involved in volunteering and helping on events held on school and fairs. Thanks to being a member of SDA I have met wonderful people who share the same professional goal as me to make the world a better place by teaching and making them realized the importance of eating healthier.
I love being part of SDA because it gives all its members a great opportunity of growth even before our careers start. You get to meet Registered Dietitians, work in workshops, volunteer with great hospitals and different communities; you get more involved in teaching nutrition and so many other aspects of being a dietitian.
Needless to say I’m very proud of being part of the SDA and this year of being a member of the e-board. This year is only going to bring great and amazing things!
Event Coordinator
Bianca Estrada
sda.eventcoordinator@gmail.com
I first started at MDC wanting to be a nurse. By the time I graduated from there I had changed my major twice and fell in love with Dietetics. I knew my goal was to eventually be a Registered Dietitian.
I transferred to FIU a year ago and have been enjoying every step of the way. In the beginning of my first semester at FIU, I was overwhelmed and confused as to what to expect. I kept to myself and didn’t know exactly how to become involved. I started to hear about the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) and decided I would look into it and join. I signed up, went to meetings, and began getting more involved and volunteering.
I was a pretty active member last semester and decided to run to be on the executive board. So, here I am now and I’m one of the Event Coordinators of an amazing association with a fantastic executive board. Every volunteering and networking opportunity I have had since being at FIU, I owe to SDA. I have gained knowledge and experience, and I’m surrounded by those who share the same passion I do. I really do feel that SDA has a lot to offer. Together we can definitely make some change for the better. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the time I have at FIU brings! I know we have big plans and are ecstatic to implement them and make SDA a wonderful experience for every member.
MAND Representative
Daniella Florez
I transferred to FIU 1 year ago and I can happily say that is has been one of the best years of my life! FIU’s dietetic program along with SDA have opened a world of opportunities for me. I have found a real passion for helping and teaching others through all of my volunteer experiences.
SDA helped me gain awareness of what I needed to do now to succeed in this program, get an internship and eventually become a Registered Dietician. I am thrilled to be the MAND representative for this year and I am excited to share with others the networking and educational benefits of joining MAND.
SDA is not only a place to gain invaluable experiences for your career, but it’s a place to make great friends while reaching out to individuals who are in need. Helping the world happens one step at a time… come leave your footprint on the world with SDA!
Fundraising Chair
Monica Yi
cso.sda@gmail.com
My first semester at FIU I was unsure of what I would experience, but joining the Student Dietetic Assocation (SDA) has made it clear.
I came to FIU with no experience in nutrition, but because of all the volunteer opportunities presented, especially on our Facebook page, I would easily sign up and attend. I'm more aware of what's going on in the world of nutrition because of SDA, and ever since joining I have also been trying to make my healthy diet consistent.
I also have had the opportunity to meet new people at all these events, which in turn helps me to grow and mature into a Registered Dietitian. I'm very proud to be part of the SDA Executive Board.
Vice President
Jennifer Flores
First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for electing me to be the 2015-2016 Vice President of the Student Dietetic Association. Last year I had the honor of serving as the representative for the Broward Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and enjoyed it very much. I hope to help make this academic school year another successful one for SDA.
Participating in SDA events has been a great pleasure and such a rewarding experience. It has provided me with numerous benefits from making new friends to amazing volunteer opportunities.
Nutrition has made a big impact on my life. I started off college as a nursing major however, as soon as I took my first nutrition course I absolutely fell in love with it. At that moment I knew I had to change my major and make this my career. After graduating college, I hope to become a Registered Dietitian and work in the clinical area of nutrition. My ultimate goal is to obtain a Master’s degree and get a specialization certification in Renal Nutrition. I look forward to helping others prolong their life with proper medical nutrition care as well as increase their quality of life.
As I am finishing up my undergraduate studies there is no better way to end it than with this incredible opportunity. I am pleased and honored once again to serve on the SDA executive board. I know the leadership skills I have gained and continue to gain will be an asset in continuing to make SDA a great organization.
Treasurer
Reniel R. Nodarse
I have only been at FIU for 1 year because I'm a transfer student, and from the moment I arrived I became involved in the SDA because I immediately saw the benefits of working with such an amazing association.
A lot of amazing changes have taken place within such a short amount of time that I have been at FIU and all of them have been directly linked to my involvement with SDA. Now I am Treasurer of the SDA, making sure everything is accounted for and I couldn't be happier.
I also work and volunteer for some of the best hospitals in our community; these amazing opportunities that I am privileged to be apart of could not be possible if it were not for my involvement in the SDA. Get involved and you could have these opportunities and more !
Being able to associate myself with individuals who share the same passion and drive that I do is definitely a great motivator and I hope we can do the same for you.
Through SDA alone, I have gained knowledge, insight and experience in the field of Dietetics that school alone does not offer. SDA offers so much to all of our members and its through dedication that this association continues to thrive. Knowing that you could make a difference in the well being of others is something that we as Nutrition and Dietetic students could serve as an example/ motivator for many others. Get involved in our association and lets make a change together, you wont be sorry that you did.
Event Coordinator
Bianca Manfred
sda.eventcoordinator@gmail.com
I started my path to the dietetics field 2 years ago. After graduating with my BS in Economics I began to work in what I thought I'd be doing for the rest of my life. Then I woke up one day and decided that the only thing that matters at the end of the day is that you're happy. So, I quit my job and decided to go back to school to fulfill my passion for nutrition. Here I am on the way to completing my master degree, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.
I found the SDA when I started here at FIU and it was love at first sight! Haha! The SDA was just what I needed to reassure me of my decision to go back to school. The volunteering opportunities alone gave me a first hand look at the possibilities in this career field. The SDA also brings in professionals and professors for Q&A. This gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, as well as talk you through the internship process to prepare yourself!
The SDA has really helped me confirm that this is exactly where I'm suppose to be, and the career I want to spend the rest of my life doing. I have a passion for food and making a positive influence in people's lives. After I graduate, I hope to do research in the field of nutrigenomics while working in the clinical setting, specifically pediatrics. Eventually I would like to build my own private practice.
I am so happy to be a part of the SDA, and am very excited for the year our new E-Board has planned so far! If I can be of any assistance to any of you on the fence, let me know! I'd be more than happy to help! You are welcome to shoot me an email!
Till then, join us at SDA and help us change the world one plate at a time!
BAND Representative
I started college at FAU a few years ago without motivation and not having a clue what i wanted to do with my life. I was working full time and all that mattered at the time was making money. I always knew deep down that I wanted to help people; I just did not know which path to take.
Then, I realized that nutrition was a huge part of my life, I just didn't think about it being my career. I transferred to FIU Spring 2015 and found SDA before I was accepted into FIU, and I knew that I had to immediately join when I first stepped foot into Miami. I saw myself going far with them and them helping me with my path.
I believe the SDA is an amazing organization, that really cares about the community and fellow members .They help and encourage you to be the best you can be. I love being around people that have a passion for nutrition. I believe in working hard for what you want and with all the events SDA has planned for the 2015-2016 year, I plan that everyone will be working hard and gaining a lot of experience!
Public Relations
Cara Whitney
pr.sda.fiu@gmail.com
Hi everyone! My name is Cara and I'm the Public Relations Representative for SDA! I have been at FIU for the past 3 years but recently switched my major to Dietetics and Nutrition last year and have not looked back since.
With each class that I've taken learning more and more about the different aspects of nutrition, I fall more and more in love with the subject. I am still not entirely sure
which direction I want to go in the future (clinical, community, etc.), but I'm pretty sure I want to work with pediatrics! I've always had a passion for working with kids.
I joined SDA last year when I first heard about it in my World Nutrition class. SDA is such a great opportunity to network with not only other students that share your same passion, but also with professionals in the field of Dietetics and Nutrition who can give you excellent advice going forward. We hold many different events - some educational, some volunteering, and some that are just fun! We are always open to different ideas, so if you have any, send them our way and we will make it happen!
We're all about sharing our passion for nutrition and educating others about leading healthy lifestyles! I hope your experience with SDA is a memorable one this year!!!