DeAnna Nara is the policy lead for CSPI’s warning labels work, specifically focusing on initiatives to improve food environments by reducing sodium and added sugars consumption.

Prior experience

As an Edward Alexander Bouchet Doctoral Fellow, DeAnna earned her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University.  Her doctoral dissertation work focused on nutritional management of chronic disease among low income, minority residents in DC. DeAnna earned a MSc in Herbal Medicine from the Maryland University of Integrative Health and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BS in Psychology from Howard University, completing her Post Baccalaureate Training at the National Institute of Mental Health within the Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Regulation. DeAnna is the Chair of the DC Board of Nutrition & Dietetics and is also a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist. DeAnna most recently served as policy advisor and public health Nutritionist for Terrific, Inc., a nonprofit housing and human services organization, where she advised DC policy for managing chronic disease for low income, at-risk, senior citizens. 

Joined CSPI

DeAnna joined CSPI in May 2020.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

"The most inspiring part of my job is having the opportunity to collaboratively work alongside communities, policy makers, and advocacy groups on creative and inclusive ways to improve the built food environment."