BIO

Ms Duque is a highly trained Nutritionist and Dietitian. She is studying for her Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and RDN license at Teachers College of Columbia University in New York. Ms Duque earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from The University of Antioquia in Colombia, a top scientific and health university in South America. She has been focused on nutrition, exercise, and wellness from an early age, in part due to her own health issues and challenges such as eating disorders—gut and hormonal imbalances while studying for her undergraduate degree. “This made me realize in a very personal way that nutrition has to be integrated as an important part of an overall focus of the health and whole of the person, that it is not just physical but also psychological, professional, social, sexual, and spiritual in forming the total human being.” She started a NYC based  fitness and nutrition coaching business in 2015 and has taught exercise and fitness for over ten years. Additionally, she has been involved in numerous public and private research and education initiatives related to nutrition and health, particularly related to underserved, at-risk communities. 

Catalina has a young daughter and, as a mom, she is acutely aware of the importance and impact of nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases in our children and our families. Currently a Research Assistant at the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education, and Policy, she is working toward better nutrition and advocacy on behalf of New York City school children.