Shine On~Women in Agriculture~Nicole Rodriguez

Shine On, Shine On was the subject of a blog post that I did a while back.

Here is the link to my first Shine On, Shine On post!  I have decided that there are a lot of people that help me “Shine” and I am going to feature them on my Shine On, Shine On series.

This year I decided to start a new spin on my Shine On series and add a little more of agricultural spin. I am excited to be bringing you these interviews. My goal is to share these fine ladies stories with you all.  Help me welcome my this Shine On Lady, Nicole.

From historic homesteaders to contemporary cattle ranchers, women have been the cornerstone of America’s agriculture heritage. In fact, the 2012 Census of Agriculture notes that nearly 1 million women are working America’s lands. That is nearly a third of our nation’s farmers.  Women are also scientists, economists, foresters, veterinarians, and conservationists. Women are in the boardrooms and the corner offices of international enterprises, and are the owners and operators of small businesses. Women are property owners and managers. Women are policymakers and standard bearers. Women are involved in every aspect of agriculture.

Shine On~Women In Agriculture featuring: Nicole Rodriguez

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your career path.
I’m a second career dietitian who’s passionate about empowering consumers to feel good about the foods they’re buying, regardless of budget. I have a background in communications and was formerly a sales executive in the beauty industry.

Tell us about your role and what does your “typical day” looks like.
Days vary, but are a mix of client appointments (both nutrition and personal training), client check-ins, and working on the app on which I serve as in-house dietitian (NavaFit). Additionally, I invest a minimum of an hour on social media each day. Oh, and of course there’s my (almost) four year old and husband!

Who is/was your biggest influencer or mentor? What did you learn from them?
Leah McGrath, Cindy Chan Phillips, and Rosanne Rust are my top three RD role models. I love each of their unique spins on agvocacy. I’ve learned quite a bit from each of them, mainly via social media.

How do you define personal success? How are you working to get there?
Personal success is finding balance between career satisfaction and a happy home life. Trusting my gut and stressing less have both helped me better define what success looks like for ME and not comparing myself to others.

How do you think a women’s role(s) in farming/ranching/agriculture has changed over the last decade?
Women have gone from the farm/ranch wife to the ones ruling the roosts! Meeting female ranchers is what inspired me to take my role as an advocate for beef more seriously. Though our lives are quite different, our end goal is the same: providing safe, wholesome, and delicious food to our families. I’ m so very thankful for everyone who plays a role in bringing beef from pasture to plate!

Learning from our mistakes is an important part of life. Would you mind helping others and share a mistake that you have made and what it taught you in the process?
Be careful to whom you lend your credential and expertise. Take care in choosing projects to which you truly want your name attached.

How would you define “women in agriculture” or “women in your career”?”
Women in dietetics seem to have a great entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a field we dominate!

What in your opinion, is the most important topic in the agriculture world right now?
Oh dear…where to begin! Living in an urban area, I hear so many misconceptions about agriculture. GMOs continue to be a hot topic, although the evidence overwhelmingly proves their safety. From a RD perspective, labeling is a related important topic with ties to agriculture. Groups such as Peel Back the Label are doing a great job clearing up some of the confusion.

What is in your daily toolbox? Planner? Phone? Computer? Special item(s)? Why do you carry it with you?
I am never without my phone! It feels like a bit of a leash but it’s much easier than carrying a tablet or laptop as I spend much of my time on the go.

In closing, do you have any advice, quotes for young women, or anyone that is starting their career in agriculture?
To dietitians: take any and every opportunity to get to know the people who are growing our food. Make it your business to better understand the technology of modern agriculture.

Is there anything you would like to add?

If it didn’t come from cattle, it’s not a burger. If it didn’t come from a lactating animal, please don’t call it milk.

“Enjoy your beef! Enjoy your life!” ~Nicole

Nicole~Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer a few questions. I am lucky that our paths crossed. 

Here are a few more reasons that you help me Shine On:

🌟I love your attitude. You differently made a difference in my life.

🌟 I love your knowledge about eating healthy and your way of thinking!! “Just eat the brownie!”

🌟I appreciate your efforts in teaching people the “truths” about their food they eat and not to buy in on fear marketing.

🌟Your a hard worker and it shows.

🌟Your beautiful inside and out.

🌟I admire you expertise on nutrition and life. 

🌟This quote from you, “Beef-Protein meet pleasure”, made my whole entire year!!

🌟Strong women stand together when things get rough, hold each other up when they need support, and laugh together when there’s no reason to.

When I think of you, this quote comes to mind:

“Focus on where you want to go, not on what you Fear” – Anthany Robbins

My message to you, dear friend is Shine On!!

Thank you for just being YOU!~Naomi

You can find Nicole on:

Twitter

Instragram

Website