Tessa Nguyen, RD, LDN

Tessa Nguyen, RD, LDN
Diversity Leadership Scholarship Recipient
Master's Urban Education, Cato College of Education

Tessa Nguyen RD, LDN, and a master’s student in the Cato College of Education’s Urban Education program is the 2020-21 recipient of the Diversity Leadership Scholarship presented by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

Nguyen, a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian nutritionist and professionally trained chef, is the founder and principal of Taste Nutrition Consulting where she works with clients around the world providing culturally inclusive nutrition tips as well as medical nutrition therapy. Her Tessa’s Table YouTube channel has 150+ followers who subscribe to her cultural cooking videos.  Through culinary choices, Nguyen helps her clients meet their food and nutrition needs while remaining true to a vast array of cultures and backgrounds.

“I teach a diverse array of clients and students how to cook while incorporating their culture's heritage, ingredients and dishes,” explains Nguyen.  “I am one of very few trained culinary registered dietitians and one of only 10% of registered dietitians who identify as a person of color. Diversity has always been a driving force behind my work despite the staggering lack of it within my profession. I champion these efforts through my business, Taste Nutrition Consulting, and as a board member for Diversify Dietetics.”

Already holding a BS in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University, plus a Dietetic Internship from Meredith College, Nguyen found the Urban Education program at UNC Charlotte a perfect fit to supplement her business and passion for diversity, yet challenge her to further develop her teaching skills.

Enrolling in a 100% percent online program was key to her academic success.  While hailing from North Carolina, Nguyen is currently living, working and teaching in South Korea.  She plans to use her advanced degree to continue her work as a diverse chef, registered dietitian and an educator.  Receiving the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Diversity Leadership Scholarship helps her move forward in achieving those dreams.

Awarding more than 261 scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation began 51 years ago to help build the pipeline of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).  Today they have more than 130 endowed scholarships and is the largest provider of funding for nutrition and dietetics students in the world.

For more information about Tessa Nguyen, RD, LDN and her mission, visit her website and blog: www.tastenutritionconsulting.com.  Follow her on social media:

Learn more about UNC Charlotte’s Master’s in Urban Education program by attending an upcoming information session.