Kelly Homer

I attribute my success to a combination of lessons learned through athletics, the example set by my parents, and the support of my family. Playing sports taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of teamwork. My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me—especially my mom, who went back to law school while raising three kids, which showed me firsthand what determination looks like. Today, I’m grateful for the constant support of my family, particularly my husband, who encourages me to pursue my professional goals while balancing the many roles that come with being a working mom.

My advice to young women entering the field is to remember that life is short, but your career is long. There’s often pressure to follow a very specific timeline for education, career advancement, and personal life, but everyone’s path looks different. After completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I was ready to focus on life outside of school and work. Now, with two young kids, I’ve returned to pursue my Master’s degree. Your career can evolve and grow alongside the different seasons of your life. Don’t be afraid to take the path that works best for you, even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

One of the biggest challenges in food service right now is staffing. Healthcare kitchens across the country are working hard to recruit and retain strong team members while maintaining high standards for food quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.

In the broader nutrition field, another challenge is the amount of nutrition information (and misinformation) available to the public. With so many voices presenting themselves as experts, it can be difficult for people to identify credible, evidence-based guidance. This creates an important opportunity for credentialed professionals, including Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTRs), to continue advocating for our profession and helping the public find trustworthy nutrition information.

I strive to live and work with integrity, curiosity, and commitment. In my professional life, this means providing excellent nutrition services, supporting my colleagues, and advocating for NDTRs and dietetics professionals. In my personal life, it shows up in family, community involvement, and pursuing new challenges like coaching junior high softball, baking through HomerMade, or returning to school for my Master’s degree. These values help me balance responsibilities while hopefully making a meaningful difference.