The Orange Blossom Trailblazers

BONUS: Florida Dietitians Through History

What can today’s dietitians learn from the pioneers who built the profession? In this special episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers, we highlight four influential dietitians whose work transformed clinical nutrition, education, healthcare and school nutrition. From the front lines of wartime care to the classrooms and institutions that built dietetics education, these trailblazers advanced nutrition science, elevated patient care, and expanded opportunities for future generations. Through their stories, we explore the resilience, innovation, and impact that continue to define dietetics—and reflect on how their legacy lives on in today’s practice. Join us as we look back to move forward.

The Architect of Stability: Peggy O’Neill on Leading Through Transformation

Peggy O’Neill has spent more than two decades shaping the future of dietetics in Florida, from her early days as a gerontological dietitian to leading public policy battles, guiding FAND through major organizational shifts, and helping the next generation succeed. In this inspiring conversation, Peggy shares her journey from FIU student to FAND President, reflects on defending Florida’s licensure law during pivotal legal challenges, and explains her passion for student support through Dietitians4Dietitians. She also opens up about navigating the “Reset and Regrow” era, stepping into the Executive Director role, and her hope for the profession’s future. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the power of advocacy, leadership, and perseverance in dietetics, especially in Florida.

Dr. Judith Rodriguez: Leading with Culture, Service, and Heart

In this powerful episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers, we sit down with Dr. Judith Rodriguez, a nationally recognized dietitian, author, diversity champion, and former President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. From designing nutrition education for families in Harlem and Spanish Harlem, to contributing to the CDC’s landmark Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to building decades of academic excellence at the University of North Florida, Dr. Rodriguez has shaped the profession from every angle: clinical, community, research, teaching, and national leadership. She shares how cultural understanding became central to her work, what servant leadership means in a “serving profession,” and why diversity, equity, and representation remain critical for the future of dietetics. 🎧 Tune in and hear how Dr. Rodriguez continues to inspire current and future dietitians to lead with service, courage, and heart.

Christine Stapell: The Leader Who Built the Foundation of Florida Dietetics

In this episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers, we talk with Christine  Stapell, one of the most influential leaders in Florida dietetics and the driving force behind some of the organization’s biggest milestones. From helping draft Florida’s very first licensure bill during FAND’s Golden Anniversary year to guiding the association as Executive Director through the pre-internet and early digital eras, Christine played a pivotal role in modernizing communication, expanding the annual symposium, and strengthening the identity of the profession. She shares candid stories from the early 1980s, hiring the first lobbyist, pushing licensure forward year after year, navigating legislative setbacks, mentoring emerging leaders, and building the symposium into a cornerstone of professional development. Her recollections illuminate what it took to keep the profession moving forward before email, websites, or online advocacy existed.  Tune in to hear how Christine Stapell’s leadership, persistence, and vision helped shape the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics into the organization it is today.

Lauri Wright: Leading with Purpose in a Changing Nutrition Landscape

In this inspiring episode of The Orange Blossom Trailblazers, we sit down with Dr. Lauri Wright, 2023–2024 President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a force for innovation, education, and service. From rebuilding FAND during the “Year of Transformation” to fighting for the profession and impacting her community both locally and internationally, Dr. Wright has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. She shares her journey from the VA hospital to academia, from leading students in Florida to tackling malnutrition in Ghana, and how she continues to shape the profession through advocacy and action.  Tune in to hear how Dr. Wright turned challenges into opportunities and how her vision continues to elevate the future of nutrition locally and globally.