RD Close Up: Andie Lee Gonzalez, MPH, RDN, LD: H-E-B Border Region
What's the story behind your experience in retail and your position with your store?
My retail experience story is new and refreshing. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, I knew that when I applied with H-E-B I would be able to serve not only my community but also be part of an innovative and family-centered culture. Almost a year and a half later, I still remember my family and I driving a U-Haul from Michigan for my last interview. This retail experience for me personally and professionally has been truly life-changing.
What is one thing that you wish you would have known before starting your career as a retail dietitian?
One thing that that I wished I would have known about starting my career is learning more about other retail dietitians in our field. I strongly believe that networking with colleagues will not only help address some of the challenges that our profession faces, but also the opportunity to become efficient and expand some of our processes and line of services in retail.
Has there been anything specific that has held you back?
So far there hasn’t been really anything specific that has held me back. I am very blessed to be part of a team that supports and helps empower our individual strengths and opportunities. I think this is what has made my position as a H-E-B Retail Dietitian so rewarding.
Has there been anything specific that has helped you move forward
Something that has helped me move forward, is aligning my passion with nutrition with the culture of H-E-B. The love of people and the communities we serve is heartwarming, this is truly what drives me every day.
What have you done to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the retail industry?
I think that being “flexible” is something that is necessary and will help you succeed in the retail industry. It’s fast passed, and every day is a learning experience.
Tell us about one of your programs or initiatives that you are most proud of and why.
One of the initiatives that I am most proud of is the implementation of our H-E-B Nutrition Services all over the state of Texas. The impact that we have, not only in our store, but with our everyday customers, partners and our community is life-changing. Being part of a strong-leadership team that supports this is remarkable. I couldn’t be more blessed.
About Andie:
Andie Lee Gonzalez is a native to South Texas. She received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics, Masters in Public Health, with an emphasis in nutrition and fulfilled her Dietetic Internship from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Through her experiences Andie has developed a strong passion for community nutrition. She has found that working toward improving the community's health and wellbeing to be an incredibly fulfilling responsibility and an important personal goal. As the Border Region Dietitian for HEB, one of the largest food companies in Texas, Andie helps her community achieve optimal health and reach their individual nutrition goals. Her future aspirations include continuing her studies in the doctoral Leadership program at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She is a highly motivated Latina who values family, hard work, and helping others.
