Amanda De Filippo, MSc, RD
How did you become a dietitian, and what inspired you to pursue a career in nutrition?
My journey into dietetics was shaped by personal experiences and cultural values. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer during my adolescence, I became deeply aware of the importance of health and knew I wanted to work in healthcare. Growing up in an Italian family, food was central to life - not only for nourishment, but as a source of connection, tradition, and joy. Becoming a dietitian allowed me to merge these passions, using food as a tool for health while honouring cultural traditions. My work has expanded into global food systems, research, and teaching, with a focus on improving access to nutritious food. Whether through research, counselling, or education, my goal is to advocate for healthier, more equitable food systems and to empower people to make informed, culturally meaningful food choices.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
The most rewarding part of my career has been working across research, education, and counselling to make an impact at multiple levels. I love helping individuals build sustainable eating habits, guiding future RDs in developing community health interventions, and contributing to research that improves access to healthy diets in low- and middle-income countries. Seeing the tangible impact of my work - whether it’s a research project driving change or a client gaining confidence in their food choices - reminds me why I do this work and highlights the broad impact dietitians can have.
How do you stay motivated in your career, and what drives you to keep learning and growing as a professional?
My passion for health, equity, and food as a connector drives my continuous learning and growth. I love that nutrition is constantly evolving, from emerging research on gut health and eating behaviours, to global food system transformation. I also strive to enhance my skills in counselling, education, communication, and learning new languages. Engaging with colleagues and attending conferences further fuels my curiosity and deepens my commitment to advancing our field.
What does the theme "Nourish to Flourish" mean to you in your work as a dietitian?
To me, "Nourish to Flourish" means that food is more than just fuel - it shapes our physical, emotional, and social well-being. Nutrition should be empowering, enjoyable, and culturally inclusive. It also means advocating for greater food security and systemic change so that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has access to nourishing food.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the nutrition field?
Explore different areas of dietetics - there is no single path. Stay open-minded and flexible; you might be surprised by what interests you most. Whether it’s clinical work, public health, research, policy, or private practice, there are many ways to make an impact. Build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors, as dietetics is a collaborative profession where learning from others can open unexpected doors. Most importantly, stay true to your values and find the space where your passions and skills align.
How do you balance your personal well-being with the demands of your work?
To be honest, finding balance is always a work in progress! But I’ve learned that setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care (including my own nourishment) is essential. I make time for rest, movement, and activities that bring me joy, like cooking, dancing, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. I also remind myself that balance isn’t about perfection - it's about adapting as needed and recognizing that taking care of myself allows me to show up fully for my work and those I support.
Check out Amanda on Instagram and LinkedIn.