One Belief

By Tamara Geyer

Losing Nina Fallenbaum was a blow to the students and co-workers of TAAP. She brought so much to the program while she was here. Her enthusiasm and love for her “Taap’ers” was contagious and she is missed. Fortunately for us, for every loss there is something gained. And we gained Daniela Boykin.

Daniela Boykin graduated from Cal in 1996 with a degree in Clinical Dietetics. After graduating, she engaged in the yearlong process to become a registered dietician. Since then Daniela has been aggressively and passionately involved in improving health and nutrition in low-income communities. As the Regional Manager for the Dairy Council of California, Daniela worked with schools on developing free programs on nutritional education. Once this was complete Daniela then went on to become a Project Coordinator where she worked with both the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control. She was responsible for creating a curriculum for higher nutrition that promoted healthy activities in adolescents, to include healthy eating, and physical activities. At the end of this program Daniela received an award for her success.

Geyer As a Project Coordinator for the Alameda County Public Health Department, Daniela oversaw the Healthy Eating and Active Communities program in the Oakland Unified School District. There, she made changes to the school lunch menu, initiated more physical education time, and organized local clinics to set up screenings for obesity.

With all of her experience in the nutrition field, Daniela’s next career move may come as a surprise. Daniela is a talented and popular Bay Area DJ. Yes, like a DJ that spins records at parties and clubs. But, she didn’t just spin at parties and clubs. She used her unique talents as a way to do community outreach by creating programs that taught nutrition in “cool” ways, and what better way to reach out to the youth than through music?

When asked why she chose TAAP, Daniela said it allows her to be behind the scenes, yet make an impact on the lives of the TAAP scholars. This is important to her because she believes that TAAP scholars will be the individuals that give back to the communities that need it most. And that one belief is the only reason anyone needs to believe that Daniela is an incredible asset to the TAAP program.