Culture
Culture, and its impact on health, is my focus. The lifestyle, customs, habits, traditions and values of populations and individuals must be considered in any effort to improve health status.
About the author
Leslene Gordon, PhD, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian · Educator · Public Health Professional · Author
Leslene Gordon is a nutrition professional dedicated to advancing culturally competent care and improving health outcomes for diverse communities. Her work blends Caribbean heritage, scientific rigor, and decades of experience supporting individuals, families, and health professionals.
She is known for translating complex nutrition science into clear, practical guidance that people can use in everyday life — whether navigating chronic disease, adopting healthier habits, or implementing culturally meaningful community interventions.
Dr Gordon is a graduate of Pratt Institute. She earned a master's degree in environmental health science from Hunter College — City University of New York, and a doctorate in public health from the University of South Florida. She has over 30 years of experience in a range of professional and voluntary roles.
Professional background
Dr Gordon's expertise includes:
- Wellness and chronic disease prevention
- Cultural competence in healthcare
- Caribbean culinary traditions and foodways
- Public health program development
- Nutrition education for diverse communities
- Evidence-based meal planning and behavior change strategies
- Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) consultation
She has developed numerous educational resources, workshops, and culturally grounded nutrition programs used by clinics, community organizations, and health professionals.
In her words
So, why Culture Competence & Care?
The name reflects my focus, work, and passion.
Competence
Competence reflects my area of work in improving the knowledge, skills and abilities of nutrition professionals and other audiences.
Care
Care has been defined as the provision of what is necessary for health, welfare, maintenance, and protection. My passion has always been the provision of care to improve health outcomes through prevention and public health strategies. I see health care broadly, with an emphasis on primary disease prevention, addressing risks up-stream.
Areas of expertise
Three decades of practice, assessment, and accreditation
Community health assessment & planning
Directed four community health assessments and community health improvement planning projects for two public health departments, using a nationally recognized model. Facilitated workgroups and community meetings and maintained staff, partner, and stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Accreditation
Nutrition and dietetics accreditation — active member of the accrediting commission for U.S. graduate and undergraduate programs in nutrition and dietetics, with six years on the site visitors and review panel. Public health accreditation — led successful accreditation efforts for a local public health department and served as a site reviewer for the National Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Program development and planning
Established sustained disease management and prevention programs based on community needs and community assets. Significant experience implementing population-based interventions and health equity initiatives, producing outcomes within time and budget expectations while leading a multi-disciplinary workforce.
Presentations and publications
Speaker and author on culture and health, cultural competence, food, and cuisine, with expert knowledge of Caribbean foodways.
Her new book
EAT SMART on Your GLP-1: A Science-Based, Practical Plan for Eating Right and Staying Healthy on Today's Most Popular GLP-1 Medications
A concise, evidence-based guide for the millions of people navigating appetite changes, rapid weight loss, digestive symptoms, and new nutrition needs on GLP-1 medications.
Connect with Us
Invite Dr Gordon to speak, teach, or consult — or ask a question about her work and her new book.
Speaking engagements · workshops · cultural competence training · consulting · media