Constance Brown-Riggs

Over the course of her career, Constance Brown-Riggs has established herself as an expert on the subject of nutrition, diabetes and the cultural issues that impact the health and health care of people of color. She is not only versed in the science of medical nutrition, but also has an active virtual nutrition counseling practice through which she sees hundreds of people. Her ability to translate her academic and clinical knowledge into clear, understandable terms have made her a nationally renowned, sought-after speaker, educator and author. She is passionate about creating opportunities to spread the word about health and nutrition and developing educational tools which shorten the cultural distance between patients and caregivers. Every aspect of her work supports that mission.

As president and owner of CBR Nutrition Enterprises, Constance operates a multi-pronged company that focuses on providing complete medical nutrition therapy to patients. Her enterprise also provides training and education for laypeople and health-care professionals, as well as consultation services to industry, physicians, fitness centers, churches and other corporate and community organizations.

Constance is the author of Living Well with Diabetes 14 Day Devotional: A Faith Based Approach to Diabetes Self Management, The Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, which received a Gold Hermes Award in the 2019 competition for books; The African American Guide to Living Well With Diabetes, which received the Favorably Reviewed designation from the American Association of Diabetes Educators; and Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes, a guide that helps African-Americans with diabetes learn how to prepare and enjoy traditional ethnic fare from the American South and the Caribbean. Constance was also the nutrition consultant for health-related books including The Essence Total Makeover, Lighten Up: Healthquest's Complete 30-Day African-American Weight Loss Program and contributed to Food, Cuisine, and Cultural Competency for Culinary, Hospitality, and Nutrition Professionals. She is a regular contributor to Today’s Dietitian Magazine—also serving on the magazine’s advisory board, and to BlackDoctor.org.

Constance is past chair of the Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, former member of the board of directors of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and past president of the New York State Dietetic Association and of the Long Island Dietetic Association. She is a former national spokesperson with a specialty in African-American Nutrition for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her professional honors include the CDE Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Metropolitan New York Association of Diabetes Educators, Award for Excellence in Consultation and Business Practice from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Distinguished Dietitian Award from the New York State Dietetic Association, and Diabetes Educator of the Year from the American Dietetic Association Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group.

Constance has been invited to appear as a keynote speaker, presenter, or panelist at conferences and professional meetings nationally and internationally for organizations such as The Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment; Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; and the Empire State Medical Association.

Constance received a B.A. in Home Economics and a M.S. in Nutrition Education with honors for excellence in nutrition research, both from Queens College in Queens, New York. She also has an AAS in Food Technology from State University of New York, Farmingdale. She became a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist through the University of the State of New York. She is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (Certification Board of Diabetes Care and Education) and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (Commission on Dietetic Registration).

Learn more about her work at www.constancebrownriggs.com, follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/eatingsoulfully, Instagram: www.instagram/your.diabetes.nutrition.expert, and on Facebook become a fan of Living Well With Diabetes www.facebook.com/livingwellwithdiabetes.