Kalifa Rodriguez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kalifa, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I can say wholeheartedly that I am walking a path. I may not know all the twists and turns along the way, but I trust that I’m being divinely guided. My goal each day is to walk in alignment with my highest self (I’ve actually created a daily morning ritual where I pray and ask Holy Spirit to guide me) and I try my best to listening to that quiet voice within and following where God leads me.
To me, “walking a path” means living intentionally and rooted in faith, even when the destination isn’t clear. I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in divine timing. Every challenge, detour and delay has purpose.
So yes, I’m walking a path and it’s one I walk with gratitude.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kalifa Rodriguez, a Registered Dietitian, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and proud mom of three. I founded Kalifa Rodriguez Nutrition, a hybrid private practice and online platform that empowers pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding moms to nourish themselves with confidence.
My journey began after a difficult first pregnancy and early breastfeeding struggles that left me feeling lost and unseen. I turned that pain into purpose, creating evidence-based, culturally aware resources that support women through one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.
My mission follows a simple truth: when a mother is nurtured, she thrives and so does her family. My work is devoted to helping every mom feel strong, supported, and radiant from the inside out.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is when we focus on our differences instead of our shared humanity. Comparison, pride, and the need to be “right” can quietly build walls where there should be bridges. What restores those bonds is humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand. When we choose love over judgment and seek common ground, hearts soften.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, I still struggle with that question because there are days I do wonder if I should keep going. Building a business through three maternity leaves while trying to be a present mom and professional sometimes felt impossible. I remember one moment in particular when my accountant told me the government might question if my business was a hobby rather than a real business. Those words cut deep. They echoed doubts I was already wrestling with.
But every time I reach that breaking point, I’m reminded why I started. I can’t give up and I won’t.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As a nutritionist, I’m constantly navigating the current trendy diet or fad superfood that promises to change everything. But in healthcare, I’ve learned that real, foundational shifts don’t happen on social media, they’re built on solid, peer-reviewed evidence and consistent clinical outcomes.
Fads often play on fear or quick fixes, while true change is grounded in physiology, long-term data, and how something actually impacts real people in practice. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is ask the question, “Does the research support this? Is it sustainable? Does it truly help?”.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I truly made a positive impact in their lives, whether it was through a conversation, a post, or the work I’ve poured my heart into. That I made them feel like they truly mattered, and somehow made their life better.
Whether it’s my family, friends, or the mothers I’ve connected with through my platform, I want my legacy to reflect love, service, and faith in action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kalifarodriguez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momnutritionconnection/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalifa-rodriguez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@momnutritionconnection/
Image Credits
Sherina Shantelle Photography
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