Janet Diaz Martinez

Janet Diaz Martinez is leading by example.

Janet moved to the United States in 2010 with her four small children, seeking a better, safer life. Having already immigrated to Mexico from Cuba eight years before, Janet understood what it was like to start over. She integrated herself into her community and began helping to better the lives of those around her.

Janet completed her Ph.D. in less than three years with a 4.0 GPA while holding a full-time job at DaVita as a registered dietician. The core of Janet’s motivation to succeed is the need to give back to her community. Along with her children, Janet regularly volunteers as a registered dietician at Caridad clinic in Boynton Beach, helping uninsured patients.

Janet has published papers in the International Journal of Urology and Nephrology, Journal of Renal Nutrition (JRN), and Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN), among others. She also earned awards from the American Society of Nutrition and the National Kidney Foundation. Upon graduation, she will expand her role at DaVita to include research in the area of renal dietetics.

Janet’s children are shining, as well: her eldest daughter recently graduated from Harvard, her second daughter is at FAU’s College of Nursing, and her son was accepted into Andover Academy – all with full scholarships.Her youngest is in high school.

Janet dedicated her dissertation to them: “To my children, the essence of my life, for their constant support, patience and love…I hope to inspire you to always believe in the power of knowledge.”

By Jessica S. Drouet
Senior Account Manager
Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work