This year, Integrative Nutrition was proud to partner with The Sampson Foundation, a charitable organization located in Washington, DC to honor those giving back to their communities.

As a part of the partnership, each month, one person was selected to receive full tuition coverage for the Health Coach Training Program!

We have been awed and inspired by these dedicated individuals who are actively working in their communities to make a BIG difference that’s why we wanted to share with you the story of our most recent recipient! We think you’ll be as impressed as we are with her passion, dedication, and drive to make the world a better place.

Meet Diana Daves…

Greetings from New Mexico, the “Chile Capital of the World!” I am proud to be a New Mexican, but we have a lot of work to do in our state. New Mexico ranks 50th in the United States for poverty and 49th for education. Ever since I was a young child I have had a passion for teaching and helping others. I believe my purpose in life is to help people recognize and achieve their true potential. For the past three years, I have facilitated several free public classes in my community I called “Discover a Healthier You.” During the 10 week sessions, we got together to talk about healthy eating habits, we made nutritious meals, and we even went grocery shopping together to learn about how to read nutrition labels to make healthier food choices. I can’t wait to continue to offer services to my community, but this time with the addition of the invaluable knowledge I will have after I complete my training with Integrative Nutrition!

I live only 40 minutes from our neighbors to the south of the United States. Many who live along the Mexican border endure harsh living conditions such as violence, lack of education, and poverty that make it very difficult to thrive. Several years ago my husband and I were part of a group who raised money, and then actually took part in building a house (10ft x 10ft), for a family in Juarez, Mexico who was previously homeless. Integrative Nutrition will enable me to be an even bigger asset to those in need. I have a strong desire to walk alongside those who would not normally have the means to access a Health Coach. When basic needs are far from being met, a Health Coach is the last thing they would be able to afford. I want to support those who feel they have reached rock bottom. I am already touching base with organizations to see how I will be able to make more of a difference in the lives of those who live close to our southern border.  

A huge thank you to Integrative Nutrition and the Sampson Foundation for allowing me the opportunity to further my health education by gaining the skills and confidence I need to reach even more people. I promise that I will pay it forward as often as I can!

“The life I touch for good or ill, will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” - Frederick Buechner

Read more stories like Diana’s here!

Feeling IINspired by Diana’s story and want to use your Integrative Nutrition education to inform, empower, and educate in a nonprofit or other service setting? There is still time to apply! The final application deadline is December 31st, 2016. Apply here.

We’re thrilled that this opportunity has supported and empowered so many deserving new students to make a difference in their communities by expanding their knowledge of health and wellness. We can’t wait to see what happens next!