Her Story
About Alexis
Alexis Motley is a registered dietitian nutritionist serving as director of the dietetic internship program at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has spent 13 years in healthcare after beginning her career in the military as an engineer with the Corps of Engineers. Motley earned her undergraduate degree in human nutrition from Southern University and a master's degree in human health and performance. She is one year from completing her PhD. In her role, she trains dietetic interns while addressing food insecurity through campus pantries, community gardens, and advocacy efforts. Motley founded My Kid's Plate Foundation in 2020 to increase diversity in dietetics and improve access to healthy foods. She serves on the board of the Baton Rouge Red Sticks Farmers Market and works with organizations including March of Dimes. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and Valence Incorporated. Motley has received community awards for her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexis
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents and hard work. My parents really instilled in me that hard work can get you into rooms and places you never thought you can get into. Hard work means setting a goal, working towards that goal, and not allowing anyone or anything to stop you. It means achieving your goals no matter what adversity comes your way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that hearing the word no is an opportunity to grow. I don't take no for an answer. Even if you tell me no, it's an opportunity for me to grow, rework that idea, and figure out how to make it happen.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them there's room for your talent. No matter what room you go in, there's always room for your talent. Never allow anyone to tell you there's no room for you. Your talents will make room for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funding is one of the challenges, and ensuring that people understand the value of nutrition. Getting people to understand your value as a dietitian and the importance of why nutrition is so important, especially with rising obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the things that I teach my kids is about your name. Your name is the only thing you have in this world. I really value honesty and trustworthiness. And being loyal to the commitment that I've made to my community, to my family.
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