Redefining Success: Lessons from ADCES Fellow Joanne Rinker
Feb 2, 2026, 14:30 PM
It’s never easy starting out in your career, knowing how to advance and even when to seek new opportunities. There’s a group of ADCES members who have been through it all. These are our fellows.
The ADCES Fellows Program recognizes those leaders in our field who have made outstanding contributions to ADCES and diabetes care and education through clinical practice, research, education or health policy.
We sat down with one of them – Joanne Rinker – to find out how she navigated challenges, defined and redefined success along the way and advice she has for those entering the specialty.
Joanne Rinker, MS, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, LDN, FADCES
Joanne began her career in 2000 as a dietitian in an outpatient DSMES and earned her CDCES credential in 2002. After several years in clinical practice, she moved into public health, where she designed and scaled a statewide DSMES program in North Carolina that grew into the largest ADA-recognized program in the country at the time. Her work later expanded to the national level through leadership roles with ADCES, including serving on the Board of Directors and as Senior Director of Content and Learning. In 2021, she transitioned into medical education and now serves as Director of Medical and Scientific Engagement at MannKind Corporation, focusing on diabetes and cardiometabolic therapies—continuing to advance care through education, innovation, and collaboration.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way and how did you navigate them?
A: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been making the difficult decision to transition from one role to another. Each position brought me tremendous joy and fulfillment, which made leaving even harder. Every time I considered a move, I wrestled internally with whether it was the right choice. In the end, each decision proved to be the right one, but the process was never easy. My ultimate goal has always been to grow professionally while continuing to provide education and, most importantly, improve the quality of life for those living with or caring for people with diabetes.
Q: How did you define success when you first started compared to how you define it now?
A: When I first started, I defined success very simply: doing my job well and making a positive impact on the people I served. Early on, success meant helping individuals manage their diabetes effectively and feeling confident in the education I provided. It was very patient-focused and centered on the immediate outcomes of my work.
Over time, my definition of success has evolved significantly. Today, success is about creating broader, sustainable change—advancing diabetes care through education, advocacy, and leadership. It’s about influencing systems, supporting other professionals, and driving initiatives that improve quality of life for entire communities. Success now means leaving a legacy of progress in the specialty, mentoring others, and ensuring that the work we do continues to make a difference long after any single interaction.
Q: What advice would you offer to those considering entering the specialty, those who are new to the field and those who feel stuck in their current roles?
A: Those considering entering a new specialty: Start by understanding the incredible impact you can have on people’s lives. Diabetes care and education is not just a job—it’s a calling. If you’re passionate about helping others and committed to lifelong learning, this field will give you endless opportunities to grow. My advice: seek out mentors early, get involved in professional organizations like ADCES, and never stop asking questions. The specialty thrives on collaboration and innovation, so lean into both.
A: Those who are new: Give yourself grace as you learn. This is a complex specialty, and no one becomes an expert overnight. Build a strong foundation by focusing on patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. Network with peers, attend conferences, and take advantage of certification opportunities like CDCES or BC-ADM when you’re ready. Most importantly, stay curious—every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.
A: Those who feel stuck: Feeling stuck is often a sign that you’re ready for growth. Start by identifying what excites you most—education, technology, advocacy, leadership—and look for ways to incorporate that into your work. Volunteer for committees, join a board, or contribute to a project outside your day-to-day responsibilities. These experiences can open doors you never imagined. And don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors; sometimes an outside perspective is exactly what you need to see new possibilities.
Q: Did you have a mentor and if so, what did they teach you?
In her response, Joanne credited multiple mentors throughout their career for shaping both professional growth and leadership development. Early mentors helped clarify career direction and encouraged a lasting focus on outpatient diabetes care. Others provided guidance in building and scaling impactful DSMES programs, preparing for leadership roles, and navigating national service and recognition. Over time, mentors offered strategic advice, advocacy, scientific insight, and encouragement to think boldly and take on new challenges. Collectively, these relationships reinforced a commitment to advancing diabetes care and education. The interviewee also notes that family support has been foundational to their success.
Here’s a shout-out from Joanne to all her mentors!
Denise Pavletic – Encouraged staying in outpatient diabetes care early in the interviewee’s career, helping solidify a long-term professional focus and passion for diabetes education.
Laura Edwards – Provided leadership and support in developing and implementing the North Carolina DSMES umbrella program and remained a consistent source of encouragement.
Joan Bardsley – Advised deep involvement at the state level to prepare for national leadership, guidance that led to major professional recognition and expanded opportunities.
Hope Warshaw – Served as a trusted sounding board for career decisions, challenges, and new ideas, offering ongoing insight and encouragement.
Leslie Kolb – Acted as both mentor and advocate at ADCES, supporting professional growth and personal development with lasting impact beyond their time working together.
Mike Castagna – Championed continued professional growth during the transition into industry and leadership roles.
Melanie Batchelor – Encouraged big-picture thinking and bold action, pushing the interviewee to expand their leadership mindset.
Nancy D’Hondt – Provided consistent guidance and inspiration as a respected leader in diabetes care.
Dr. Kevin Kaiserman – Offered scientific mentorship tailored to the interviewee’s learning style, supporting success in their current role and fostering a lasting professional relationship.
Family (husband Jerimy and daughters Eva and Gracie) – Provided unwavering encouragement, perspective, and belief, serving as the interviewee’s most important and enduring mentors and supporters.