Summary and Themes from FNCE^® 2024 Focus Groups

The following summary synthesizes feedback gathered from various focus groups and discussions conducted at the 2024 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo^®, which included more than 190 participants representing a diverse range of career stages, including early career practitioners, students, faculty and mid- to late-career professionals. Additional discussions with the Board of Directors, dietetic practice groups (DPGs), member interest groups (MIGs) and affiliate leaders further supported the analysis and interpretation of the data.

The focus groups’ feedback highlights both the need for and challenges in advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) within the Academy, as well as potential opportunities for improvement and future aspirations.

Overall Perspective on IDEA

Participants generally view IDEA as essential for the Academy but express frustration over the lack of meaningful, sustained action. There is concern that while there are many statements supporting IDEA, they have not been backed by tangible, long-term change. A key issue is a lack of trust, with participants questioning the sincerity of the Academy's commitment to these principles. Additionally, there is a recognition that systemic barriers, both internal and external, continue to impede progress, leading to experiences of undervaluation and limited representation for marginalized groups.

Areas for Improvement

The focus group identified several key areas for improvement in the Academy’s approach to IDEA. These include:

• Action-Oriented Leadership: There is a call for leadership that moves beyond rhetoric to implement tangible change.
• Cultural Competency and Relevance: Ensuring that cultural competence is integrated into educational practices and that these practices are relevant to diverse populations.
• Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation between internal communities including DPGs, MIGs, ACEND and CDR to create a more unified approach.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Greater collaboration with external stakeholders and efforts to enhance visibility for the dietetics profession.
• Pipeline Development and Mentorship: Focus on early outreach to underrepresented communities, alongside mentorship opportunities to support career growth.
• Addressing External Barriers: Overcoming public misconceptions of the profession and advocating for financial accessibility and better compensation structures.

Aspirations for the Future (10 years)

Looking ahead, participants hope for a profound transformation within the Academy. They envision:

• Organizational Transformation: A fundamental shift in the Academy’s culture, where IDEA principles are deeply ingrained in every aspect of operations.
• Advocacy for Health Equity and Access: The Academy taking a leading role in advocating for broader health equity, access to nutrition and public health.
• Increased Partnerships and Collaboration: Expanding partnerships, especially with global and culturally diverse organizations, to enhance the relevance and reach of the profession.
• Improved Unity and Representation: A more unified profession with diverse representation at all levels, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

The feedback calls for stronger, action-driven leadership, a focus on equity and inclusion in educational practices and a broader, more integrated approach to promoting IDEA across the Academy, with the ultimate goal of transforming the profession into a more inclusive, equitable and globally impactful field.