FoodMinds Announces upwaRD™ Class of 2025

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CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 13, 2025--

FoodMinds, a leading food and nutrition consultancy with 15 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), announces its 2025 upwaRD™ class. Now in its seventh year, upwaRD™ recognizes standout early-career RDNs who are shaping the future of nutrition communications and inspiring positive change in their communities.

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FoodMinds' 2025 upwaRD™ Winners (Graphic: FoodMinds, a division of Padilla)

The 2025 honorees were selected for demonstrating expertise in translating evidence-based nutrition science into impactful, engaging, and accessible content and messages for a variety of audiences and channels.

“At FoodMinds, we’re passionate about recognizing and cultivating emerging talent that’s redefining the future of food and nutrition,” said Andrea Carrothers, MS, RD, senior vice president, FoodMinds, who co-leads the agency with Allison Mikita, MS. “Through upwaRD™, we’re empowering the next generation of nutrition communicators with mentorship, skill-building, and connection opportunities – supported by our team’s deep expertise in global food systems, nutrition science, and strategic communications.”

The 2025 upwaRD™ class is already redefining nutrition communications—sparking credible, engaging conversations about food, health, and wellness. Through upwaRD™, these rising leaders will build on their influence, sharpening their skills and strengthening partnerships to advance science-based storytelling.

Carlie Beaucejour, MS, RD, LDN is the founder of Crave with Carlie, where she specializes in preventative nutrition to create generational health in her community by reducing type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, and other metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger Cochran, MS, RDN, CDES, EP-ACSM, RYT combines her background in nutrition, counseling, and yoga, to transform research and personal experience into practical, relatable tools women can use daily.

Amy Davis, RDN is a writer and media enthusiast who helps women build healthy habits and make sustainable changes through her business, Amy Davis Nutrition, LLC.

Lauren Fleck, MS, RD, CYT aims to empower those with ADHD and mental health challenges through accessible, responsible nutrition, translating complex concepts into practical strategies for neurodiverse and busy professionals.

Crystal Orozco, RDN, CDCES, CPT is the founder of Vida Nutrition Consulting, where she creates engaging, bilingual content including cooking demos, recipes, social media videos, and health articles that fuse evidence-based science with Latin flavor.

“Given the abundance of misinformation today, relying on credentialed experts for accurate, science-based food and nutrition content is crucial,” said Kate McGowan, RDN, vice president at FoodMinds and upwaRD™ program lead. “FoodMinds is proud to continue to elevate and amplify the voices of RDNs who combine creativity, credibility and impact.”

About FoodMinds

FoodMinds is a leading global food and nutrition agency that delivers innovative science, policy and influencer communications programs that achieve clients’ business goals while supporting the health of people and the planet.

We put passion into practice across key areas including health and well-being, global food and nutrition affairs, and sustainable food systems – driving meaningful change and inspiring healthy behaviors. At FoodMinds, experts in food, nutrition, public health, and sustainability come together to translate strategic insights and consumer values into powerful, multi-dimensional communications. Our team of policy wonks, trend watchers, and storytellers – including 15 registered dietitians and a Global ExpertBench™ of nutrition science, policy, and communications professionals – helps clients craft and embody a better story.

FoodMinds, a division of Padilla, works with more than 30 leading commodity boards, food companies, brands and associations in the U.S. and around the world, including several Fortune 500 companies.

Contact us at FoodMinds.com to learn more.

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CONTACT: Julie Behr

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KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MANAGED CARE OTHER HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH OTHER RETAIL SPECIALTY INFLUENCER FOOD/BEVERAGE OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FITNESS & NUTRITION RETAIL COMMUNICATIONS VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS HEALTH

SOURCE: FoodMinds

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PUB: 10/13/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 10/13/2025 08:59 AM

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