Areas of Expertise

• Data equity

• Assessment and evaluation

• Postpartum nutrition and human milk feeding

Food Story

Even from a young age, Akers knew that she wanted to become a dietitian. Growing up, her mother was conscientious about nutrition and grew much of the family’s food, which helped to form a solid foundation for Akers’ career choice. As a nutritionist for the federal WIC program early in her career, Akers’ passion for perinatal nutrition and human milk feeding flourished. She views human milk as the foundation to health for all and has worked tirelessly to support and enable breastfeeding for all families.

Publications

Academic History

Ph.D., Strategic Leadership Studies, James Madison University, 2017

• Specialization: Nonprofit and Community Leadership

• Dissertation: Organizational Factors Associated with Perinatal Quality

M.S., Health and Behavioral Studies: Dietetics, James Madison University, 2004

• Thesis: Reasons for Breastfeeding Cessation by WIC Participants in a Virginia Health District

B.S., Dietetics, James Madison University, 2000