Meet the 2025-2026 IND MIG Executive Committee & Leadership Team

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Chair

Priyanka Sagar, MSc, RDN, LD, CLT

Priyanka Sagar has served as an IDEA liaison, IND-MIG since 2021-22 and hails from frigid Minnesota. She has worked as a consultant RDN in outpatient clinic in Minneapolis for many years and is an owner of her private practice, Ginger Spice Health, LLC.


Her passion is to empower clients in the prevention, wellness and chronic diseases realm. She incorporates integrative nutrition and lifestyle strategies and utilizing ‘Food as Medicine’ with ‘a personalized approach’ so they could lead a fulfilling quality of life!


To promote healthy nutrition in her community, she has actively volunteered to educate elementary school kids, along with authoring articles to raise nutrition awareness at a local non-profit organization, contributed in local south-Asian health organization called SEWA- aifw health fairs and actively volunteers for the South Asian-Centered Heart-Healthy Education (SACHHE) project by the University of Minnesota, Family Medicine and Community Health Discovery.


Priyanka holds her bachelor’s and master's degree from Rajasthan, India and completion of internship program from Louisville, KY.


She enjoys travel and spending time with her family back in India when time allows; also loves recreating healthy vegetarian recipes, in fun and colorful ways on her blog, www.gingerspicehealth.com. She can be reached at Priyanka@gingerspicehealth.com.

Chair-Elect

Jessica Pearl, MS, RDN, CSSD, CSCS, CLT

Pearl can be reached at: jessrpearl@gmail.com 

Past Chair

Raksha Shah, MA, RDN

Raksha Shah is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a passion for merging the worlds of nutrition and pharmaceutical biotechnology.

In her pivot to the pharma biotech industry, Raksha recognized the potential to make a broader impact on health outcomes. Leveraging her deep understanding of nutrition and her expertise in the field, she embarked on a new journey to explore the intersection of science, medicine, and nutrition. This transition allowed her to contribute her knowledge to the development and advancement of innovative therapies and interventions that positively impact patient wellbeing.

As a highly regarded RDN, Raksha has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to make informed nutrition options for optimal health. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, she has provided personalized nutrition coaching and guidance to countless clients, helping them achieve their wellness goals and live a nourished, flourishing life.

Raksha's is an accomplished author, she has published in renowned scientific journals along with as group of renowned contributors. Her publications have delved into diverse topics, including the role of nutrition in chronic disease prevention, novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of Osteoporosis (NJEM) and the impact of personalized nutrition interventions on patient with Myocardial Infraction (Annals of Internal Medicine). Earlier in her career Raksha was very active with the Academy. She was a contributing author on topics related to nonpharmacologic management of hyperlipidemia with Penny Etherton, RDN as the Editor-in-Chief.

With her unique blend of expertise and experiences in the Pharma Biotech Industry and early career as a RDN at UCSF Children’s Renal Centre and Cardiovascular Research Center; Stanford Cardiac Rehabilitation Center; Shand’s Teaching Hospital Renal and Kidney Transplant Services Gainesville Florida; Corporate wellness nutrition, Raksha is dedicated to driving progress in healthcare through the integration of nutrition and medicine.

Raksha is reestablishing as an entrepreneur in NJ and launching her virtual private practice with a focus on CKD and Women (Perimenopause and Beyond) Nutrition Wealth after experiencing many flavors of many states coast to coast and Industries.

Raksha Shah's multifaceted background, passion for improving health outcomes, and dedication to advancing nutrition science position her as a respected authority in the industry.

She can be reached at rv.raksha@gmail.com. 

Treasurer and Secretary

Suvosree Chatterjee, MSc, RDN, CDN, CDCES

Suvosree serves as Diversity Liaison and Membership Co-Chair for the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was chosen as a ‘Spotlight Member’ in 2020. She works for the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Passion for people drives her to constantly seek and make new friends. She is actively involved with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its many Dietetic practice groups (DPGs). She is originally from Kolkata (Calcutta), state of West Bengal in India. As a first-class student in BSc (Honors) in Food and Nutrition she was awarded National Merit Scholarship from the University of Calcutta. She also graduated with First Class in MSc in Food and Nutrition from the University of Calcutta. Suvosree is a life member of the Indian Dietetic Association and Nutrition Society of India. She worked as a dietitian under the government of India. She went for her RD course work at the Simmons University in Boston, US. She brings versatile experience in the field of Nutrition. Suvosree loves Yoga and Ayurveda and practices a specific dietary habit from India known as ‘Sattvik Diet’. She is a vocalist in Indian Classical music.

Suvosree can be reached at: chatterjee@gmail.com 

Nominating Chair

Sudha Raj, PhD, RDN, FAND

Dr. Raj is a Teaching Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at Syracuse University. She is also a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She earned her BSc and MSc degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics in India, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University.

At Syracuse, Dr. Raj has designed and implemented graduate-level coursework in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition and teaches a broad range of undergraduate and graduate classes. With over 30 years of active involvement in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she has held leadership and collaborative roles within several groups, including the Vegetarian Nutrition DPG, Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM), the Indian Member Interest Group (MIG), and the Global MIG.

Her research primarily investigates the health impacts of acculturation among South Asian immigrants, particularly those from India. She has contributed extensively to the field through peer-reviewed publications, poster presentations, book chapters, and educational resources. Her work often emphasizes the cultural significance of South Asian Indian cuisine and the therapeutic role of food.

Currently, Dr. Raj is engaged in a U.S. Forest Service project that explores the nutritional potential of wild edibles as accessible, nutrient-dense food sources for urban populations.

Her recent honors include the 2023–2024 Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Teaching Recognition Award for Continuing Excellence at Syracuse University and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine DPG.

Sudha can be reached at sraj@syrd.edu 

Nominating Co-Chair

Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND

Vandana can be reached at nutritioneducator@gmail.com

Awards and Honors Co-Chair, Nutrition Services Payment Specialist/Policy Advocacy Leader

Rita Batheja, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND, AFMCP

Rita is the founder, past chair, policy and advocacy leader, Nutrition Service Payment Specialist (NSPS), Nominating Committee, Awards, and Honors committee Co-Chair of the Indians in Nutrition and Dietetics member Interest group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly Asian Indians in Nutrition and Dietetics – AIND MIG). Nationally and internationally recognized, Rita is Integrative and Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in private practice in Baldwin Harbor- Long Island- New York. She is also the fellow of the Academy and serves as the house of delegate (HOD) of NY State Academy to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Passion for profession drives Rita to be a professional volunteer at the District, Affiliate, National organization, and with many community organizations. Rita utilizes mind-body principles and systems biology personalized approach to heal individuals for optimal health. She is the originator of AAPI’s Indian Physicians eBook I, II, and III on “Optimal Health using principles of Functional Medicine and Nutritional Genomics." In 2000 planted the seeds of the book "Indian Foods: AAPI's Guide to Nutrition, Health and Diabetes”. Rita is the recipient of many awards and honors to her credit including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics prestigious Medallion award for her lifelong leadership, Visionary award by Indian American Dietetic Association - (currently known as the IND MIG,) and Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Practice Group, Excellence in Legislative activity award by Diabetes Practice Group and The NY State Academy, Service award by the Vegetarian Nutrition Practice Group, AAPI President's Special recognition award by Indian Physicians Association in the USA - (AAPI), and awards from several Indian community organizations. Rita is featured in many magazines, print and Indian News media, and professional journals like JAND, Food Service, and many others. Rita is originally from Mandvi- Kutch- Gujarat State and she studied at the MS University in Baroda.

Rita can be reached at krbatheja@gmail.com.

Awards and Honors Co-Chair

Catherine Conway, MS, RDN, CDN, CDE

Cathy works as Chief of Nutritional Services and Diabetes Program at YAI National Institute for people with Disabilities. I work with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Cathy is a recipient of the Award of Excellence in Service and Leadership, Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, American Dietetic Association, 2004, Award of Excellence in Service and Leadership, Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, American Dietetic Association, 2010, Award of Excellence in Practice for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health Dietetic Practice Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2015 and Award of Excellence in Service, Asian Indian Member Interest Group, 2018. She is one of the authors for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Updated Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, December. She previously served for many years as the Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL) for VN DPG and just completed a three-year term on ANDPAC. She currently serves on the Academy's Legislative and Public Policy Committee. Cathy lives in New York City. Cathy says “I am not from India but love everything Indian."

Cathy can be reached at catherineconway@msn.com.

Communications Chair

Shailee Saran Varanasi, MS, MSc, RDN, LD, FAND

Shailee is an accomplished dietitian nutritionist with over two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, research, and leadership across the Indian subcontinent and the United States. She holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in food and nutrition from the University of Delhi, where she began her career working alongside the legendary Dr. C. Gopalan at the Nutrition Foundation of India. After relocating to the U.S., she completed her education verification through Fontbonne University, a Dietetic Internship, and earned a second master’s degree in allied health from Barnes Jewish College. 

Currently, Shailee serves as a Dietitian Nutritionist III – Healthcare at SSM Health/Sodexo in St. Louis, where she provides advanced clinical nutrition care.  She is also engaged as an adjunct faculty at Logan University, teaching a range of courses across undergraduate and graduate curricula. Her previous roles include Clinical Dietitian at BJC Healthcare and adjunct faculty positions at Fontbonne University and the University of Missouri.

Shailee is deeply engaged in professional leadership and service. She currently serves as Northeast Regional Director for the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her past leadership roles include President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – St. Louis District, Executive Board Member of the Indian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ISPEN) India, and Treasurer of ISPEN Delhi Chapter. She also contributes to academic governance as a member of advisory boards for Logan University’s Master’s in Nutrition and Human Performance program and undergraduate programs in Human Biology and Life Sciences.

A strong advocate for evidence-based practice, Shailee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has published research in peer-reviewed journals. Her work has earned her multiple awards and recognition in the field of clinical nutrition.

Beyond her professional commitments, Shailee is a passionate community leader. She has served as President of the India Association of St. Louis and as an Executive Board Member of the Center of Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar. She actively organizes and supports health fairs, cultural events, and capacity-building initiatives for the Indian diaspora in the Midwest.

Shailee can be reached at shailee.saran@gmail.com 

MIG House of Delegate 

Shailaja Mathur, MS, M.Ed., RDN

Shailaja can be reached at: smathurrd@gmail.com

IDEA Liaison

Sheetal Parikh, MS, BS (Hon.), RDN, LDN, FAND

Sheetal Parikh has been very passionate about plant-based nutrition since her childhood. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees and one master’s degree in dietetics and nutrition. She brings her unique experience and skills in the nutrition world by blending eastern and western cultures with innovative diets. She is specializing in Plant-Based Nutrition, and has been a vegetarian all her life, and promotes vegetarianism and its health benefits. Since 2019 she has been an Author for Vegan/Vegetarian diets for the Nutrition Care Manual for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). She has been involved with setting standards for RD Exam Passing Score Study Task Force and Item Writing Workshop for Commission on Dietetic Registration(CDR). She served in the positions of Advisory Board Committee for Diversity and Inclusion for AND; Florida State Coordinator and Diversity Liaison for Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. She achieved the feat of being a BSDN Advisory Board Member for Keiser University; the institution from which she graduated and won an award for Outstanding Student of the year 2017 from Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. At present, she works as Lead Regional Dietitian in Clinical and Patient Services for Morrison Healthcare and also Counsels Patients and Clients on the importance and advantage of eating Plant-Based foods for their and the earth’s well-being. She is proficient in creating new plant-based recipes; designing techniques for happy & healthy cooking; preparing appetizing meals for her clients, family, friends, and colleagues. She lives with a motto of “You are what you Eat."

Sheetal can be reached at: sheetalkparikh@gmail.com

Global Liaison

Rupal Shah, MSc, CDE, UGC NET Qualified

Rupal graduated and completed her master's in foods, Nutrition & Dietetics from Mumbai, India. Rupal is passionate towards providing the most advanced & scientifically proven medical nutrition therapy for weight & disease Management. She is also trained on the use of a low FODMAP diet for IBS by Monash University. Rupal is a winner of Wimpfheimer Guggenheim International Exchange in Nutrition Dietetics & Management Award, FNCE® 2018, Washington DC. She also serves as a Country Representative chair for International Affiliate of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In her free time, Rupal is an avid food, fitness & nature enthusiast. Most often, she can be found at one of her favorite fitness studios, cycling/ trekking unexplored destinations, cooking up a storm in her kitchen or geeking out about the latest nutrition research.

Rupal can be reached at: dtrupalshah@gmail.com