Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)

The MiAND IDEA Committee will actively seek out and implement effective strategies to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Michigan dietetics profession and among the people we serve, including Black/African Americans, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other disenfranchised groups.

Michigan Academy Inclusion Statement

The Academy has revised its title for “Diversity and Inclusion” to “IDEA” as below. Also, the IDEA Promotion Grant (up to $10,000 funding) is now available on an annual basis with a deadline of March 1.

  • IDEA Committee instead of Diversity and Inclusion Committee,
  • IDEA Leaders Program instead of Diversity Leaders Program,
  • IDEA Mini Grant instead of Diversity and Inclusion Mini Grant,
  • IDEA Promotion Grant instead of Diversity and Inclusion Promotion Grant, 
  • IDEA Award instead of Diversity and Inclusion Award, and
  • IDEA Liaisons instead of Diversity and Inclusion Liaisons  .

Important Information

If you would like to join the MiAND IDEA Committee to receive more information and to be on our email list, please complete and submit the sign up form below. Once your sign up information is received, we will be in contact with you. Please note that you must be a member of MiAND in order to join the IDEA committee.

IDEA Committee Sign-Up

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The MiAND IDEA committee is happy to provide the information below for organizations that offer scholarships and grants. Availability and application deadlines vary for each of these opportunities, so it’s important to check their websites frequently throughout the year so that you don’t miss your chance to apply!

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers recognition awards, leadership recognition, and education stipends to members and dietetic student members. The Foundation accepts applications for these awards on an annual basis, although select award opportunities may be made available throughout the year.

Many awards and scholarships are available on their website that support the IDEA philosophy. You can find more information on all the awards and scholarships on the AND Foundation website and the application period for 2023 is February 15 to April 18.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Interest Groups

The Academy has a wealth of scholarships offered by various member interest groups aimed at inclusions, diversity, equity, and access. Application deadlines vary for each group and you typically need to be a member of that interest group to apply.

Academy Diversity Awards and Grants

The Academy values and respects the diverse viewpoints and individual differences of all people. The Academy actively identifies and offers inclusive opportunities to individuals with varied abilities, backgrounds, ideas, practice expertise, skills, and talents. In accordance with the objectives and strategies of the Academy’s Strategic Plan, the Academy offers awards and grants to support the diverse growth of the profession. Deadlines for applications are March 1 of each year and complete details can be found on the Academy Website (you must log in to view the information and applications).

  • Academy IDEA Promotion Grant
  • IDEA Action Award
  • IDEA Mini-Grants

Diversify Dietetics Scholarships & Grants

Diversity Dietetics has as it’s mission to increase the racial and ethnic diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering nutrition leaders of color. They offer many awards and scholarships that are available at different times of the year, so check back on Diversify Dietetics often.

Equity Impact Scholarship

CommonSpirit presents Equity Impact Scholarship. Scholarships for skills-based learning, promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity in healthcare. Learn more about Equity Impact Scholarships.

MNDI Scholarship – Vera Thompson Scholarship

In addition to the general MNDI criteria for scholarships, this scholarship ($1500.00) will be awarded to a student or intern who identifies as Black or African American. The application will open on February 13, 20203, and the deadline is April 21, 2023.

Volunteer Pool

If you are interested in signing up to be in our IDEA Volunteer Pool on an “as needed” basis, please complete the following contact information form. You will receive an email confirmation that you have been added to the IDEA Volunteer Pool list, and when an IDEA event or project becomes available, you will be contacted with details to see if you can help! Please note that you must be a member of MiAND in order to join the IDEA Volunteer Pool.

The IDEA Committee invites you to participate in a monthly book club. We will be reading about topics including implicit bias, systemic racism, and health disparities, and meeting monthly to discuss. Join us as we dig deeper into understanding these challenging and complex issues. Together, we can empower each other to be more culturally competent and better serve the populations we care for.

Find out more information and sign-up here.

IDEA Committee Members

  • MiAND IDEA Liaison – Leatta Byrd
  • Grant Developer – Libby MacQuillan
  • Student Liaison – Suzy Gadd
  • Virtual Book Club Hosts – Elizabeth Gorney & Lauren Hunt
  • Christine Frazier
  • Tina Guajardo
  • Sara Harmon
  • Amanda Latchaw
  • Rob Masterson
  • Robin Nwankwo
  • Eva Van Artsen
  • Barbara Vukits
  • Lorraine Weatherspoon