Access and Inclusion Resources

ASPDA Access & Inclusion Committee

Adria Butler, Committee Chair

Adria Butler
Committee Chair

Cedric Torres, Research and Education Chair

Cedric Torres
Research & Education Chair

Jaelyn Shipman, Mentorship Program Coordinator

Jaelyn Shipman
Mentorship Program Coordinator

Courtney Kawamoto, Administrative Coordinator

Courtney Kawamoto
Administrative Coordinator

LaJarde Johnson, Community Engagement Coordinator

LaJarde Johnson
Community Engagement Coordinator

Susana Meléndez, Mentorship Committee Chair

Susana Meléndez
Mentorship Committee Chair

Statement of Purpose

The ASPDA Access and Inclusion Committee advances equity, representation, and inclusion in sports performance nutrition. The committee promotes inclusive fueling practices, equitable access to education and resources, and meaningful engagement that reflects the diverse experiences of athletes and practitioners.

Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, the committee amplifies diverse voices, supports professional development, and strengthens the accessibility, impact, and excellence of sports performance nutrition.

    • Equity and Access: Expand equitable access to sports nutrition education, resources, and professional opportunities.

    • Mentorship and Development: Support students, early-career professionals, and underrepresented practitioners through mentorship and career development.

    • Representation and Visibility: Elevate diverse voices, including RDs with disabilities, to strengthen representation within the profession.

    • Community Engagement: Increase awareness of inclusion, accessibility, and cultural competence through targeted education and programming.

    • Accessible Resources: Improve access to ASPDA materials through language translation and culturally relevant content.

    • Structured mentoring forum

    • Cultural heritage and disability awareness programming

    • Initiatives highlighting RDs with disabilities

    • Spanish translation of key ASPDA resources

    • Inclusive fueling education and best practices

HELPFUL RESOURCES

A poster listing 12 action items to promote cross-cultural engagement, including activities like supporting BIPOC owned businesses, attending events, volunteering, completing ethics courses, with the American Sports and Performance Dietitians logo.

12 ACTION ITEMS TO PROMOTE CROSS CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

12 ACTION ITEMS TO PROMOTE CROSS CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

ASPDA, together with the Access and Inclusion Committee, is encouraging  cross-cultural engagement by challenging ASPDA members to complete 12 Actions Items each year.

Educate yourselves, empower your colleagues and uplift your communities by completing at least one action item monthly.

Tag @FuelingVictory and #ASPDATakesAction on social media to show us your engagement throughout the year. Be a part of intentional change; begin regular participation during the month of January!

Contact the Access & Inclusion Committee

We want to hear from you. Please share any comments, questions, or suggestions with the Access and Inclusion Committee.