In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna sits down with Tamara Melton and Deja Ivy to discuss the decision to sunset the Diversify Dietetics Internship Program. They explore the program's origin, challenges in maintaining funding, and the impact of changing DEI priorities. While it’s bittersweet to end the internship, the conversation highlights new initiatives aimed at supporting a more diverse and supportive field of dietetics.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Origins of the DD Internship Program (00:00)
How the vision for a barrier-free dietetic internship came to life.

The Reality of Running a Nonprofit Internship (03:00)
Behind-the-scenes challenges, including funding and logistics.

Impact of DEI Changes and Affirmative Action (06:00)
How shifting priorities affected program sustainability.

The Changing Landscape of Dietetics Education (11:00)
Declining enrollment and its influence on internship programs.

Lessons Learned in Supporting Students of Color (19:00)
Cultural humility, financial barriers, and creating supportive environments.

Why Sunsetting the Program Was Necessary (22:00)
Balancing human capital, burnout, and financial sustainability.

The Future of DD: New Programs and Scholarships (26:00)
Exciting initiatives to support diversity in dietetics beyond the internship.

Reflections and Celebrations (28:00)
Favorite memories and the impact of the program on graduates.

Resources & Links:

Donate to support the final cohort of the DD Internship - www.diversifydietetics.org/donate

Learn more about the DD Scholarships- https://www.diversifydietetics.org/scholarships-grants

Diversify Dietetics Internship Webpage - www.ddinternship.org

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