WAND awarded Kavita Poddar, RD, CDCES, the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award. Kavita is an active member of WAND’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, where she serves as Co-Chair. She played a key role in helping pass the Licensure Compact last year. Kavita works at UW Health as a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist.

WAND awarded Katrina Kennedy, RDN, the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award. Katrina serves as an RDN at UW Health, where she provides medical nutrition therapy for patients with end-stage organ disease. She has contributed to the development of functional and cachexia assessments and has been involved in research projects within the transplant center.

WAND awarded Taylor Erholtz, RDN, the Emerging Dietetics Leader Award. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional passion for their work—and Taylor exemplifies that. She is an eating disorder and general nutrition dietitian at UW Health and is deeply committed to eating disorder awareness and education. She contributed to a social media campaign for Eating Disorders Awareness Week and recently participated in a TV interview for the initiative. Taylor also helped develop an intuitive eating class for patients in general nutrition clinics.

WAND awarded Sophia St. Marie the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award from a Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Sophia is a student at UW and truly exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding future dietitian. From day one, she has brought energy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for nutrition to every rotation.

WAND awarded Kelsey Brauer the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award from a Didactic Program in Dietetics. Kelsey is a junior at UW–Stevens Point and is a highly motivated, intelligent, and conscientious student with an unwavering dedication to learning. She is gaining valuable experience through her part-time role as a Nutrition Program Assistant at the YMCA, where she coordinates free and reduced meals and works with children with special needs.

WAND awarded Kendra Dantoin the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award from a Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Kendra is a student at UW–Green Bay whose leadership and initiative truly set her apart. During her community nutrition rotation, she launched a gleaning initiative at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, redirecting nearly 100 pounds of fresh produce to families in need within just a few weeks. She is organized, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, with an enthusiasm that inspires those around her. Kendra embodies the future of dietetics—committed, capable, and driven to improve nutrition access and community health.

In addition to these awards, WAND awarded scholarships to six individuals. This year’s Jo Saunders Scholarship was awarded to Elly Flaherty, a student in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at UW–Milwaukee. Elly is an active member of the Nutritional Sciences Club at UWM and served as club president from 2024–2025. She has been named to the Dean’s List multiple times and has contributed over 75 hours volunteering at the UWM Food Pantry and FoodRight, a community organization.

WAND also awarded Annual Conference Scholarships to Mackenzie O’Connell, Bailee Dobson, Mirra Black, Lilia Tregoning, and Kendra Dantoin.

The “healthy” claim can empower consumers by providing a quick signal on food package labels to help consumers identify foundational foods for building healthy dietary patterns. The claim could be especially helpful for those who may be less familiar with nutritional information. Today’s action is part of the FDA’s broader commitment to make food a vehicle for health and wellness, reduce diet-related chronic diseases, and promote health equity.  This initiative, and others such as front-of-package nutrition labeling and sodium reduction, are featured in the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and HealthExternal Link Disclaimer.    

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WAND is sad to share the news that former Mount Mary University Dietetics Department faculty member, Judi Johnson passed away unexpectedly April 12th. Judi was honored last month at the WAND Conference for being a 50-year member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Judi inspired many students during her tenure at Mount Mary and volunteered countless hours to professional organizations such as AHF (formerly ASHFSA). The funeral will be this Tuesday (visitation 1:30, funeral at 3:00 p.m.) at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church, 10729 W. Freistadt Road, Mequon, WI  53097.The attire is red, white, and blue since Judi served in the Army. Please click here for more information. 

Photos of Judi at the 2019 WAND Conference receiving the 50-year member award:

 Judi is pictured fifth from the right.

Judi is pictured third from the right.

Judi receiving her 50-year membership award. 

WAND members celebrated Halloween one night early with US Rep Mark Pocan in Madison.Pictured with the Congressman are Past President Christina Lemon, Makayla Schuchardt and UW-Health Dietetic Interns Hailey Boehmer, Allix Ice and Gracie McDermott.