Black History Month

“Hello.  My name is Shakeira Morton.  I am many things to many people.  I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend.  Mom, however, is my most favorite title.  I am a mother to two of the most amazing young people you will ever meet, Alexis and Evan.”

“I am also a Registered Dietitian who holds an MBA with a Healthcare Specialization. I am passionate about nutrition and its role in disease prevention.  Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work in many different capacities, working with hospital leadership and clinical teams, and of course, patients and their families.  I have been able to share my nutrition knowledge and reach the masses working in hospice and acute care in hospitals and outpatient clinics.  I have worked in Quality and Safety overseeing nutrition programs, while working to develop clinical pathways (structured multidisciplinary care plans for specific clinical conditions) and spent many years adjunct teaching.  My tenured experience spreads across the lifespan.  In my current role as Regional Patient Solutions Manager, I am working in operations, ensuring that patients have the most amazing, but safe meal experience.”

“For me, Black History Month represents opportunity.  It is the one month where diversity and equity seem to be the most celebrated.  Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans. It has always been a time of reflection for me.  Growing up, there were not healthcare workers that looked like me; we have come a long way.  Black History Month is a time to remember what is important: how far we have come and how much further we need to go.  It is a reminder that I am a part of something bigger than me…a catalyst for change, if you will.  Dr. Carter G. Woodson said, “Knowing the past opens the door to the future.”  I am always looking for opportunities to pay it forward–to serve within my community, whether it be advocacy work, volunteering, mentoring, or promoting cultural awareness.  This is a serious matter and is not limited to Black History Month.” – Shakeira Morton, MBA, RDN, LD