Hispanic Heritage Month: Jessica Almanza-Pineda '05

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae!

Jessica Almanza-Pineda graduated from Mother McAuley in 2005, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2009. She later pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Benedictine University, completing it in 2014. Jessica then completed her dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago in 2016, followed by a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022.

Jessica is a Clinical Nutrition Manager at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where she leads the outpatient nutrition team and provides care for patients in the Neuromuscular, Preventive Cardiology, and Fatty Liver outpatient clinics. She has a deep commitment to clinical nutrition leadership and fostering cultural diversity in pediatric nutrition. She has been at Lurie Children's Hospital for over 5 years.

Currently, she lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two young sons. Jessica balances her professional endeavors with a fulfilling family life.

What inspired you to choose this career path?
I am passionate about preventative healthcare, which led me to nutrition. I noticed the gap in healthcare access and medical literacy among Latinos, and I wanted to help bridge that gap. Food is such an integral part of our culture, yet I often saw our traditional foods being demonized. Latino foods are rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other nourishing ingredients. I strive to promote these healthful aspects of our diverse cuisines and empower Latinos to embrace the traditional foods that nourish both our bodies and our souls. It's about celebrating our culture while fostering better health. I have focused my career on education, community engagement, and creating a positive dialogue around nutrition and traditional foods. 

What are your favorite cultural traditions?
One of my favorite cultural traditions is Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve. Growing up in Chicago and visiting Mexico during Christmas break, I fondly remember visiting family for this lively celebration. It was filled with delicious food like tamales, buñelos, and ponche, games and traditions such as "El Arrullo del Niño Jesús." We would then open gifts at midnight, fireworks, followed by joyful dancing until late in the night. These moments created lasting memories and a deep sense of connection with my culture. 

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by attending cultural events in the city. It is important for me to expose my kids to our culture and help them appreciate our traditions. I have also recently started focusing on reading books by Latina authors to embrace stories from voices that share a similar background as mine. Last month I read I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez and am currently re-reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez. It has been a great way to connect with my heritage. 

What is something you would tell your high school self?
¡Si se puede! Girl, dream big because anything is possible.

If you speak Spanish or a second language, how did it benefit you in your workplace?
Being bilingual has greatly benefited me in my role as a pediatric dietitian. I connect with my patients and their families by understanding their cultural foods and communicating in their preferred language. This often encourages families to be more open with me, enhancing mutual trust which leads to better patient care. As a clinical nutrition manager, I strive to educate and empower my team to embrace cultural humility and competence, ensuring we provide the best care for our diverse patient population.