Author, Megan Holdaway, RDN
Dairy Council of CA Nutrition Science Program Manager
Dairy Council of California excitedly welcomed three talented interns in summer 2024. Each intern brought a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to projects and experiences, contributing to ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on community health.
“One of the ways we strive to elevate the health of children and communities throughout California is by providing learning experiences for nutrition students and interns. We were thrilled to welcome Shalini, Julie and Lillyanna to learn more about the work we do to support community nutrition,” said Dairy Council of CA Nutrition Science Program Manager Megan Holdaway. “We value the opportunity to contribute to the development of strong leaders and look forward to seeing the contribution these students make in the future.”
Shalini Bhakta, Public Health Informatics Intern
University of California, Irvine
Shalini Bhakta is a third-year informatics student specializing in health informatics. Her four-month internship at Dairy Council of CA is part of the U.C. Irvine Public Health Informatics and Technology Workforce Development Program.
Of her experience, Bhakta shared, “I am privileged to gain industry insights and enhance my skills in data analytics. Not only has this experience helped me narrow my focus studying health informatics, but I am excited to use what I learn to drive impactful solutions in my future career, connecting data with improved public health outcomes.”
Bhakta brought a wide range of technical skills that she is applying to the development of a dashboard to track relevant media articles for the communications team.
Julie Barker, Dietetic Student
University of New England
Julie Barker is a student at the University of New England, where she is completing a Master of Science with an applied nutrition dietetics focus. Barker
sees her experience at Dairy Council of CA benefiting her as both a student and future professional.
“Interning at the Dairy Council of CA has been a transformative experience for me as a student and aspiring professional,” Barker said. “Being included in meaningful projects from the start, such as the Professional Development Day for the Elk Grove Unified School District staff, has provided me with practical hands-on experience. As a future registered dietitian, seeing the multitude of diverse roles dietitians play at Dairy Council of CA has opened my eyes to the realm of new career possibilities.”
Barker completed a short rotation focused on community nutrition at Dairy Council of CA this summer and will return in March 2025 for a longer rotation.
Lillyanna Silveira, Dietetic Intern
Idaho State University
Lillyanna Silveira is completing a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics at Idaho State University, with a goal to bring consumers closer to farmers through nutrition. Silveira grew up on a dairy farm and appreciates the connection between dairy products and nutrition professionals.
“I grew up on a dairy in Northern California and my family still farms to this day so being surrounded by a community of people who support the dairy industry fueled my desire to encourage communities to include dairy products in their diets,” Silveira said. “With graduation just a few months away, I can easily say the [registered dietitian nutritionists] at the Dairy Council of CA provided me with exceptional resources and support to prepare me for the beginning of my career. Thank you, Dairy Council of CA, for introducing me to a network of supportive, professional and resourceful individuals who helped me learn more about what our profession can do for the dairy industry.”
As schools return to session and the interns embark on the next steps in their careers, we wish them success and fulfillment in all their future endeavors and thank them for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in their careers and are excited to watch their journeys unfold!