Meet Krista Ulatowski, MPH, RDN. She’s witty, funny, media-savvy, intelligent, on-the-ball, and very efficient. Every time we have worked together on a project, she has always exceeded expectations and brought smiles to people’s faces. I’m happy to know her on a personal level and also excited to share her career path as a dietitian owning her own communications firm. Another exciting niche out there for our industry! – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? Several years ago, I was on a fabulous gourmet food tour that wove through downtown Seattle. I was joined that day by my one and only wonderful mom; we dined on bites of duck, mussels, gelato and more, wrapping up the tour at the infamous Pike Brewing Company. Our tour guide at the brewery was a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Mom and I sipped our IPAs, discussing my career path. She was well aware that I wasn’t thrilled with my day job as a “tech PR gal” and that I was looking to make my next move.

“You’re always reading about food and health. Why don’t you look into what it would take to go back to school and study nutrition?” mom asked.

Yes. It was right there in front of me. There were many avenues that were open to dietitians; even perfecting the chemistry of brewing. I wanted to tie my communications career together with a new focus on health and wellness. I enrolled in my first chemistry course – one of many – the very next day.

Your Job Title? Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Owner, KUcumber Nutrition Communications

Company you are with now? KUcumber Nutrition Communications

Website: www.KUcumbers.com

Social Media links:
 – Twitter: @kucumbers
 – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kucumbernutritioncommunications
 – LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristaulatowski

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? One of my former PR colleagues described her job to her family this way: “I read and respond to emails all day.”

Spot on. Yes, that is what I do the majority of my day! Alright, that makes my job sound mundane, and my job is the furthest thing from mundane. I can be found either at my home office or at my favorite local coffee shops, creating an editorial calendar of blog posts for a healthcare tech client, pitching national media on behalf of a commodity client, providing feedback on new website content for a nutrition bar client, crafting a social media strategy for an RDN client…every day is so incredibly different.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? The owner and I are pretty tight. Kidding, kidding…I established KUcumber Nutrition Communications a few years ago, shortly after graduating with my MPH from the University of Washington and becoming an RDN. My 15+ years of public relations, communications and marketing experience combined with my nutrition credentials led me to where I am today.

I also had an amazing career coach in Chere Bork, MS, RDN, who taught me to tune in and pay attention to what my head and heart were telling me to pursue. She really helped me hone my focus and illuminated yet another lightbulb.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? My writing abilities were praised in high school, which is why I ended up pursuing journalism in college instead of nutrition or related study in the sciences (grr). I think my left-brain “sciencey” skills were the ones that took a little more time to develop.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m a work in progress! In all seriousness, though, do seek a trusted coach and mentor. Network, network, network.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? Gold bars. That would be nice. Or persimmons. Or jars of peanut butter. Mmmmm…

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.