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Tackling Maternal Health Disparities: Bridging the Gap through Cultural Relevance in MyPlate

Presented by: Dr. Janet Reid-Hector Ed.D RD & Nada Mays, MS, RDN

Women of color in the United States face disproportionately higher rates of preterm birth, infant mortality, and chronic diseases—challenges that are deeply rooted in systemic inequities and social determinants of health. This webinar will explore the health and nutrition disparities affecting women of reproductive age and how these disparities influence pregnancy outcomes and preventable complications. The session will highlight research-based evidence on the role of dietary patterns and specific nutrients in promoting maternal health. It will also cover culturally appropriate, practical strategies for improving nutrition across food groups, and examine how the MyPlate model can be adapted to better reflect the dietary habits and preferences of communities of color.

At the end of this session, the participant will be able to:

  1. Discuss the specific health challenges faced by mothers of color, such as higher rates of preterm birth, infant mortality, and chronic diseases and link these challenges to dietary patterns and consumption data.
  2. Emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that includes dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Highlight how these food groups provide key nutrients that support maternal and infant health.
  3. Identify common barriers to accessing diverse and healthy food options, such as economic constraints, food apartheid, and lack of nutritional education. Discuss the role of systemic issues in perpetuating these barriers.
  4. Address strategies to modify MyPlate to better reflect the dietary habits and preferences of African American communities, incorporating a variety of food groups.

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Webinar speakers

Dr. Janet Reid-Hector Ed.D RD

Janet Reid Hector is Asst. Professor of Healthcare Management & Leadership at Rutgers University- Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) in the School of Health Professions SHP. She is a graduate of Columbia University-NY where she earned her doctoral degree, holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University & a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University in NJ. For 20 years, Janet worked at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ (formerly UMDNJ) as the Assistant Director – Clinical Nutrition & Patient Services – planning, organizing, and directing all clinical nutrition functions for the inpatient and ambulatory care sub-units of the University Hospital as well as, coordinating the training, mentoring and precepting of allied health students, third- and fourth-year medical students enrolled in supervised practicums. Janet also teaches Nutrition Science in the Department of Chemistry & Physics at Monmouth University. Current scholarly and research focus include artificial intelligence, machine learning, population health, particularly nutrition and maternal complications and morbidity in women of color. She has served as President- New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics 2019- 2020.

Nada Mays, MS, RDN

Nada Mays is a Registered Dietitian and professionally trained chef who owns an insurance-based private practice, Nutrition By Nada LLC. The practice serves PA, NY, NJ, and DE. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is chair-elect of the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (HEN) national dietetic practice group (DPG). She is also a NOBIDAN, DDPG, PHCNPG, and PA State Affiliate member. Nada completed her master’s in Community and Public Health Nutrition at Saint Elizabeth University after studying culinary arts at Johnson & Wales. Nada is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She completed her service in The Kingdom of eSwatini, Africa, from 2016-2018. Through her work, Nada blends her background in national and international public health, culinary arts, and clinical nutrition to provide personalized and culturally inclusive nutrition support.

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