Dietetic Career Spotlight on Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, CDN Co-CEO of Culina Health
Meet Vanessa Rissetto, a Registered Dietitian and Co-CEO of Culina Health. I first heard of Vanessa listening to a podcast on dietitian entrepreneurship and was inspired by her story. Vanessa is Co-CEO of Culina Health, a personalized nutrition platform powered by registered dietitians to help others prioritize the way they want to live. Read on to hear Vanessa’s journey in dietetics and be sure to check out Culina Health. - Katie Padva
What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I just wanted to help people in a way that was adjacent to medicine.
Company you are with now?
Culina Health
Your Job Title?
Co-CEO of Culina Health
Website:
Social Media:
http://linkedin.com/in/vanessarissettoms
A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
Start up life is a-typical, sometimes I'm meeting with investors all day, sometimes I'm speaking the mission of Culina Health, sometimes, if I'm very very lucky I'm working with patients. Generally though, I'm strategizing ways to make sure everyone has access to a Registered Dietitian by exercising their insurance benefits.
How did you get your current job in dietetics?
Actually, I believe the reason is because I've had many different jobs along the way. I am and have always been open to new experiences which has allowed me to have a myriad of experiences that have prepared me for this moment. I'm still learning everyday how to be the CEO of a tech start up, but I am always taking feedback, and making sure things are moving forward.
What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
Growing up I got bullied a lot, and while that was not the best experience it actually primed me for having a thick skin and to not take things so personally. I also learned early on to have more empathy for others because everyone is going through something, which I think makes me a good RD.
What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Success isn't objective - but rather quite subjective. What I perceive as success may not be the same for others. Stay in your lane and only compete with yourself.
If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?
Chocolate please!
About the Author
Katie Padva, MS, RDN, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian passionate about delivering nutrition education through writing, teaching, and counseling to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. She works in a private practice helping individuals be the best version of theirselves through healthy nutrition. She also works as an adjunct instructor at a University educating students on nutrition concepts. When she is not working, Katie enjoys being outside, running, writing, cooking, doing yoga and hiking! Connect with her on LinkedIn.
