Born to an adventurous missionary family, her mother, a physician and dietitian, and her father, a global youth minister, Sylvia Meléndez-Klinger has lived and traveled overseas all her life. Since her humble upbringing in Puerto Rico and Mexico, she has continued a legacy of compassionate service and cultural diversity. As a sought-after international speaker, Sylvia has presented on the environmental, ethical, and economic impact of food waste, sustainable food systems in various settings, and a particular focus on translating nutrition science for diverse populations to be able to implement into their own lives with ease.
She has given media workshops and nutrition presentations at international conferences in Hong Kong, Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Philippines, Mexico, Romania, Puerto Rico, and South America, as well as hundreds of conferences in the US. Notably, she spoke at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Switzerland and the National Hispanic Medical Association in Washington, DC.
Known as a “Global Connector,” Sylvia has built a global network of mission-driven health professionals dedicated to underserved populations. She is part of the team at GlobalRise, aiming to develop community nutrition programs for rural regions in Africa, India, and South America.
Her work in Romania includes creating and executing a community nutrition curriculum for master’s and undergraduate dietetic students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures, Romania. Sylvia has been a guest adjunct professor in Romania for twelve years, providing medical nutrition therapy classes for medical, dental, and dietetic students. Her involvement in Romania has ignited her dedication to humanitarian nutrition efforts and lifelong mentoring/coaching.
Sylvia is an active agricultural expert who designs and implements resources for dietitians and health professionals to promote sustainable food and agricultural systems. Her involvement expanded her in-depth knowledge and passion for modern agriculture, sustainability, food insecurity, and other significant global nutrition issues.
Sylvia has mentored dietetic students and interns from Dominican University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Benedictine University, the University of Iowa, Southern Illinois University, Andrews University, and Loma Linda University for over 25 years. In her spare time, she can be found exploring food and culture worldwide with her family and traveling extensively. Sylvia has held many leadership roles with various associations.
Sylvia has held many leadership roles with various associations.
- IAAND: International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
past membership chair, spokesperson media trainer, and currently the professional Development Chair - DBC: Dietitians in Business and Communications
20+ year board member, past regional member network coordinator and secretary. - LAHIDAN: Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition
Founding member, past chair, secretary, and nominating committee chair. - ICDA: International Confederation of Dietetic Associations
Communications Committee member.
