The Orange Blossom Trailblazers

What can today’s dietitians learn from the pioneers who built the profession? In this special episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we highlight four influential dietitians whose work transformed clinical nutrition, education, healthcare and school nutrition. From the front lines of wartime care to the classrooms and institutions that built dietetics education, these trailblazers advanced n...

Peggy O’Neill has spent more than two decades shaping the future of dietetics in Florida, from her early days as a gerontological dietitian to leading public policy battles, guiding FAND through major organizational shifts, and helping the next generation succeed. In this inspiring conversation, Peggy shares her journey from FIU student to FAND President, reflects on defending Florida’s licensure...

In this powerful episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we sit down with Dr. Judith Rodriguez, a nationally recognized dietitian, author, diversity champion, and former President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. From designing nutrition education for families in Harlem and Spanish Harlem, to contributing to the CDC’s landmark Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to bui...

In this episode of  The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we talk with Christine  Stapell, one of the most influential leaders in Florida dietetics and the driving force behind some of the organization’s biggest milestones. From helping draft Florida’s very first licensure bill during FAND’s Golden Anniversary year to guiding the association as Executive Director through the pre-internet and early dig...

In this inspiring episode of  The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we sit down with Dr. Lauri Wright , 2023–2024 President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a force for innovation, education, and service. From rebuilding FAND during the “Year of Transformation” to fighting for the profession and impacting her community both locally and internationally, Dr. Wright has redefined what it mea...

In this episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we sit down with Dr. Catherine Christie , a powerhouse in Florida dietetics whose career spans public health, private practice, academia, and national leadership. From pioneering Florida’s media outreach for dietitians in the 1980s to serving as President of FAND and later Treasurer of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Christie has ded...

In this inspiring episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we sit down with Dr. Gail Kauwell , a driving force behind Florida’s dietitian licensure and a beloved educator who has mentored generations of nutrition professionals. Dr. Kauwell shares the story of how determination and collaboration made Florida the 13th state to achieve licensure—and how her passion for teaching continues to shape...

In this episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we sit down with Lucille Beseler, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, FAND — a true trailblazer in Florida and national dietetics leadership. From opening her private nutrition practice in the early 1990s to serving as President of both the Florida Academy and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Lucille has transformed how dietitians practice, lead, and get...

In this premiere episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers , we sit down with the legendary Dr. Susan Himburg , one of Florida’s most influential dietetic leaders. From helping build the foundation of Florida International University’s dietetics program to advancing educational access and accreditation, Dr. Himburg’s story captures the heart of what it means to lead with purpose. Hear how she hel...