Sustainability and nutrition are always at the forefront of Ravin Garrett’s mind. Known for her can-do attitude and constant push to bring low-income communities the nutritional and food-based resources they need to succeed and flourish, Ravin is already making moves as she begins to complete her final courses in her M.S. in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship degree. Whether she’s working with her peers on a project, taking care of her kids or directing wellness events at her local farmers market, Ravin is one busy bee with a mission and vision to bring nutrition education to families and advocate for sustainable food systems across the Dallas, Fort Worth region.
Growing In A Food Desert
Raised in Houston, Texas, Ravin was always surrounded by a wide variety of cultures and food options. Living in a home with siblings and both her parents, Ravin says she lived her life pretty much like everyone else. She attended school, practices and more than anything, wanted to find out what she was good at. After a few years, it was time for Ravin to enter high school which, to her, was where her real passion for nutrition began. Taking a class here and there about nutritional communities and basic diets, Ravin quickly learned the importance of grocery stores, farmers markets and local food vendors for any growing community looking to remain healthy.
“I remember being in class, and learning about what good food and balanced diets looked like,” Ravin said. “And for some reason, those classes really spoke to me. I was interested in how food had the power to help people stay healthy and live longer. It was all just super fascinating.” 
Throughout her high school classes, she also learned the harsh realities of food deserts and how it impacted those within those neighborhoods physically, emotionally and mentally. And then it hit her; Ravin was living in a food desert herself. Shocked by this revelation, she committed to pour her efforts into nutrition and dietetic training to better serve her family, community and overall goals of transforming food deserts into food forests.
“Food forests are essentially neighborhoods where food is widely available,” Ravin said. “You could pick fruit off the tree or have a fresh market open close to the center to neighborhoods, and it all benefits those who live in the areas. It’s a great idea for people who live in neighborhoods like me, and need that sustainable food cycle in their backyard.”
Attending Texas Southern University, Ravin graduated with a degree in dietetics and began working in a series of places including as a Nutrition Services Representative at Texas Children’s Hospital, a health coach and even a virtual nutrition specialist, where she develops individualized nutrition care plans based on a patient’s medical history, dietary preferences and health goals. And though she was enjoying the various aspects of her life so far, including becoming a mom of three, Ravin felt like something was still missing in her life.
Finding Her Roots at ACU Online
Like many, the pandemic took a toll on what opportunities were available; and that was no different for Ravin. Looking around at what was next, Ravin decided to test herself and see if there were any opportunities to expand her learning and future job outlook. She searched and searched until she found ACU Online. After a quick meeting with the M.S. in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship program, Ravin said she was sold. Not only did they cater to teaching dietetics how to work with improvised communities but also propelled them to focus on the key areas of hunger, health, housing and spreading hope across the world. For Ravin, this was exactly what she needed to find.
“After learning about what this program was, and what its overall purpose was geared towards, I felt right at home,” Ravin said. “It fits exactly what I wanted to promote in my own dietetic practices and overall, made me excited about my field once again.” 
Still, Ravin felt the pressures of managing school, parenthood and work. And when she started to feel like she couldn’t go on, Ravin says she will always remember the words of her husband’s grandmother, Gloria Shipmon. In many ways, Ms. Shipmon gave her the strength and encouragement to carry on. Even when she felt like quitting or giving up on her dreams, Ravin can recall Ms. Shipmon’s kindness and perseverance – and that’s exactly what she wanted to emulate to this day.
“I have dreams of building courses and organizations that help feed the community,” Ravin said. “And I want to be able to honor [Gloria] through it all. It’s almost like her death gave me the strength to push, and I just want to make sure I honor her in any way I can.”
Today, Ravin can be found completing her last few courses before walking the stage at commencement in May 2025. However, Ravin is far from just being a regular student. These days, she can also be found working alongside her husband, Royce II Garrett, at the local farmers market, writing for her nutritional blog, Ecokin, and even being nationally recognized for her good works by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Needless to say, Ravin is moving, shaking and excited to see what else comes her way. Raising her three kids, Scarlet, Royce III and Greyson, Ravin has broken down barriers by figuring out ways to make the world a better place to live and thrive. No matter what comes her way, Ravin has become a force of agility and ability – inspiring women near and far of their true capabilities. Are you interested in making a difference in the world of nutrition? Visit our website and learn how you too can become a registered dietitian and nutritionist with our M.S. in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship program.