The FoodMinds upwaRD program is an industry-leading professional recognition and development program that elevates the voices of emerging nutrition communication leaders. Winners are selected for their expertise in translating evidence-based nutrition recommendations into exciting, engaging, and accessible messages on a variety of different platforms and channels.
Describe the impact you aim to have on your target audience.
As a Latina Registered Dietitian, with both of my parents from Mexico and limited education, I’ve always been passionate about serving communities like my own, those with barriers like limited resources, education, and language. My goal is to bridge the gap in nutrition education within Latino communities by sharing reliable, evidence-based information in a way that is culturally relevant and easy to understand. I want my community to feel seen, understood, and celebrated. I want to empower my audience with the tools and confidence to live longer, healthier lives.
What does success look like to you as a communicator?
Success to me looks like being a trusted voice in nutrition, both locally and nationally, while also being an advocate for Latino culture. I want to show that our foods, flavors, and traditions can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. I want to bring culturally relevant nutrition to wider audiences in a way that is fun, flavorful, and authentic. It also means creating space for others. Uplifting dietitians, communicators, educators by supporting each other, and opening doors for others where I can. Success to me is helping others grow too. We are stronger together.
What are you currently working on that excites you?
I’m really excited about my monthly TV segment, Cooking with Crystal on ABC10, where I get to combine my love for cooking, recipe development, and nutrition education with my local community. I’m excited to continue to create delicious meal ideas for my community. I’m also looking forward to an upcoming activation I’ll be leading with a close friend and colleague at FNCE (Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo) in San Antonio this year. Salsa dancing has been a huge part of my life for over 15 years, and I’ve always wanted to bring together my passions for nutrition, movement, culture, and community. This year, I’ll be leading a salsa dancing activation with a nutrition education component on the expo floor, which is such a “pinch me” moment. I’m excited to continue creating experiences like this!
What advice would you give to dietitians who want to build a platform or voice?
Go for it! There’s space for all of us, and your story matters. Be your own advocate, stay consistent, and show up as your authentic self. The right opportunities and partnerships will come as you keep showing up. And don’t forget to be kind to others and to yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Just show up and do it scared.
Where can people find you?
- Instagram: @saborconcrystal
- Linkedin: Crystal Orozco
- Website: Owner of Vida Nutrition Consulting
- I have a monthly TV segment on ABC 10 titled “Cooking with Crystal”
- About my segment: Cooking With Crystal: Easy, Flavorful Nutrition Tips for Real Life
- A recent TV segment: Celebrating National Nutrition Month with California Almonds