Jada was recommended for the series by Dylan Bailey as a rising star in the industry. She is currently a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Diversify Dietetics, and the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN). I can relate to her commodity work having worked in that area myself, and it definitely sounds like a delicious job. I think she’ll have us all wanting to be Peanut Pros!

Why did you become a RD?

I became a registered dietitian to help people learn to love their body, bring light to their goals, and live their best life! One of the things I am passionate about is definitely flavorful food! In school, I loved learning about food from different cultures, how to make certain dishes, and of course eating delicious meals! I became passionate about educating others about food when I realized how big of an impact food has on health. Changing to healthy food behaviors can be great for the mind, body, and soul, and as an RD I can help people make productive change.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I work in the marketing and communications space for a commodity board: National Peanut Board. At the National Peanut Board, we strive to help America’s 7,000 peanut-farming families improve their production practices and continue to put the world’s highest-quality peanut product in the hands of people around the globe.

How would you explain what you do?

At National Peanut Board, I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and I work for USA peanut farmers and their families.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

In my current role, every single day is different working in marketing and communications, and I LOVE that! I currently manage nationalpeanutboard.org and lead our digital planning and reporting meetings, I lead the National Peanut Board Health Ambassador Program with over 60 health influencers, where I send out four mailings with peanut and peanut butter information and goodies throughout the year. I create a lot of content for our website. I also travel to conferences and events catered to different audiences in the health and wellness space to make more relationships for National Peanut Board.

What has been your career path?

After completing the coordinated program and my undergraduate coursework at the University of Kentucky, I left Lexington, KY, and moved back to Atlanta, GA. I began my professional career as a Clinical Dietitian I at Emory Decatur Hospital. Then I started working at National Peanut Board as a Marketing Specialist and I was recently promoted to Marketing Associate early this year!

What advanced education or special training do you have?

When I first started working at National Peanut Board, I completed the Food Allergy Certificate through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I also helped create the brand new Peanut Pros Certification Program with National Peanut Board (NPB). All RDs can get Peanut Pro Certified and earn 2 CPEUs through eight 15- minute modules on peanuts and get access to exclusive NPB prizes/activities like a peanut farm tour!

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

In 5 years, I predict the industry will look a little different with the increase in use of AI and technology. These changes will play a huge role in the technology available to growers. They are already embracing innovation on the farm, implementing the use of sensors, drones, and GPS technology. It will be exciting to see the upgrades that will occur in the coming years. This will in turn impact how we implement different marketing strategies to reach millennials!

What is your favourite meal?

My favorite meal is garlic crusted roasted chicken and onions, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and broccoli/ greens, and corn bread. Definitely soul food.

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

I have three top tips:

1. Step outside your comfort zone, be confident, & stand in your POWER.

2. Make sure you have a community of people in a mentorship capacity to help guide you through new situations.

3. Continue to network throughout your career and make an active effort to make and cultivate new relationships.

More about Jada:

National Peanut Board Website: NationalPeanutBoard.org

National Peanut Board Instagram: @PeanutRD @NationalPeanutBoard

National Peanut Board Twitter: @PeanutRD

Work Email: jklinton@nationalpeanutboard.org

Personal Email: kaihealthllc@gmail.com

Personal Instagram: @JadaKaiTheRD

Thanks Jada!