Trellus
Bianca Mendoza is a skilled nutritionist and educator with extensive experience in community health and wellness. Currently serving as a Nutritionist at Erie Family Health Center and as a Nutrition Educator at Asian Human Services, Inc., Bianca instructs youth on culinary skills and nutrition while mentoring students and managing volunteer nutritionists. Previous roles include WIC Nutritionist at CEDA and involvement in community outreach campaigns for COVID-19 vaccination initiatives. Bianca's internship experiences at Children's Hospital New Orleans and Baton Rouge General Medical Center have contributed to a strong foundation in dietetics. Educational credentials include a Dietetic Internship from Southern University and A&M College and an Associate's degree in Behavioral Sciences from El Camino College.
Trellus
Trellus is a nonprofit that exists to empower immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities in Chicago to thrive by removing barriers and providing supports that create opportunities for life. Headquartered in West Ridge—one of Chicago’s major refugee settlement neighborhoods—we serve individuals and families representing more than 50 nations and ethnicities. Our culturally responsive, comprehensive services include trauma-informed behavioral health counseling, case management, health education, ESL and technology classes, career training and job placement, and other supportive services. We also operate Passages Charter School, a pre-K to 8 charter school in the Andersonville neighborhood keenly focused on the needs and experience of refugee families.