Honoring Hispanic Leaders: Dani Rodriguez, MS, RDN

What is your position at Torrance Memorial?

My position at Torrance Memorial is Director of Clinical Nutrition. I am responsible for directing all functions of the clinical nutrition team and the coordination of medical nutrition therapy over both the inpatient and outpatient programs. I establish goals and oversee implementation of clinical nutrition care priorities based upon our hospital’s organizational goals and patient population. I also develop and approve the patient menus and oversee the patient kitchen ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

What made you want to work at Torrance Memorial?

I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and Torrance seemed a world away but my husband grew up in Torrance and was a big advocate for having me work at Torrance Memorial. Once I became a Registered Dietitian I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with Torrance Memorial’s Bariatric program. Here I am 10 years later a strong advocate for the wonderful work being done at Torrance Memorial and so thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given to develop my career.

What experience or person influenced you to choose your career?

As a teenager, I watched my mom struggle with her weight and how difficult it was for her to overcome various health conditions, a sedentary workplace, and our cultural cuisine to make permanent lifestyle changes. While obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from UCLA, I found I was drawn to studies around behavior modification and the psychology behind lifestyle changes that can impact one’s health. I obtained certifications in Lifestyle & Weight Management and Personal Training and discovered my passion for helping individuals accomplish their health and fitness goals. This path led me to eventually obtain my Master’s degree in Nutrition and become a Registered Dietitian, in the hopes of helping others, in particular those in our diverse multi-cultural community make permanent lifestyle changes.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

My Cuban heritage has shaped my values, my personality, my goals, and much more. Growing up my parents instilled in me the values and traditions they learned growing up on the small island of Cuba with influences stemming from a combination of Spanish, African, and Caribbean pastimes. They emphasized learning and hard work, the importance of family and tradition, and many little things such as the language, typical foods, a passion for dancing, and let’s not forget superstitions and how to avoid the evil eye (mal de ojo).

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

As a member of a mainly Cuban family, some of the traditions that my family shared in Cuba where brought with us to the United States. Family plays a huge factor in our traditions and often we celebrate by getting together, preparing traditional foods, and speaking in our native language. Some of my favorite Cuban traditions include a huge family feast for Christmas Eve, eating 12 grapes at midnight for New Year’s Eve representing the 12 months of the year, with one grape representing one wish, and playing dominoes as a pastime. My husband’s Latin heritage stems from Argentina and Italy leading to a blend of traditions in our household. However, we both enjoy opening our home to friends and family and preparing traditional dishes from our respective cultures.

What is your favorite dish that represents your culture?

I have so many favorite Cuban dishes and would have a hard time narrowing it down to just one. However, I would probably highlight the staples of most Cuban dishes which would be white rice, black beans, plantains, and flan.

Which historical or contemporary Hispanic figure do you admire and why?

Jose Marti was a Cuban poet, philosopher, patriot and martyr, in the late 1800s. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol of Cuba’s struggle for independence. My mom would repeat one of his poems as a bedtime rhyme when I was little and to this day it is my favorite, Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca, I Have a White Rose to tend.

CULTIVO UNA ROSA BLANCA
Cultivo una rosa blanca
en junio como en enero
para el amigo sincero
que me da su mano franca.

Y para el cruel que me arranca
el corazón con que vivo,
cardo ni ortiga cultivo;
cultivo la rosa blanca.

I HAVE A WHITE ROSE TO TEND

I have a white rose to tend
In July as in January;
I give it to the true friend
Who offers his frank hand to me.

And for the cruel one who rips
the heart with which I live by,
Thistle nor thorn do I give:
For him, too, I have a white rose.

How can others learn about Hispanic heritage not just in the month of September but year-round?

I highly encourage traveling as a way to learn about other cultures and to embrace their traditions, customs, and food. We are lucky enough to live in Los Angeles the greatest melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. However, there is nothing like traveling to really absorb, learn, and appreciate the differences and similarities between cultures.