January Newsletter | Sorogi Health
January is “New Beginnings, Strong Foundations”
Quote: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain
A Fresh Start, Rooted in Community
New Beginnings, Strong Foundations
January represents renewal, intention, and the opportunity to begin again. At Sorogi Health, we believe that meaningful change doesn’t come from drastic resolutions, but from small, consistent steps taken together. As we enter the new year, our focus is on helping our community reset routines, recharge energy, and build strong foundations for long-term health through education, movement, nourishment, and connection.
We recognize that the start of a new year can bring both motivation and pressure. Our goal is to create a space where wellness feels supportive, realistic, and accessible — never overwhelming. Whether your focus is managing diabetes, improving heart health, building strength, or simply feeling more energized, Sorogi Health is here to walk alongside you.
This month, we invite our community to reset with intention, recommit with compassion, and continue building habits that support lasting well-being. Health is not perfection; it is progress, persistence, and partnership.
Reflecting on December: Celebrating Community & Milestones
December was a powerful close to the year at Sorogi Health. We proudly hosted our End-of-Year Celebration, bringing participants, instructors, and partners together to reflect, connect, and celebrate collective progress.
The celebration featured a live cooking demonstration led by Registered Dietitian Wintana, who prepared a slow cooker kale, bean, and sausage soup. This comforting, nourishing dish highlighted how simple ingredients can be transformed into flavorful, health-supportive meals. Participants enjoyed learning practical tips while embracing the joy of cooking together.
We were also honored to have Fitness Instructor Nicole and Registered Dietitian Andrea join the celebration, adding to the sense of community and support that defines Sorogi Health. Participants had the opportunity to take photos with the instructors and Dr. Vivian, proudly holding their certificates of participation.
One of the most meaningful moments of the event was celebrating a year of growth, commitment, and consistency as a Sorogi family. These certificates symbolized resilience, dedication, and the small steps taken throughout the year toward better health. The room was filled with connection, encouragement, and shared celebration; a true reflection of what it means to grow together.
Spotlight: Tawana Rose & Tawana’s Corner
Course Overview
Tawana’s Corner is a transformative, community-centered course focused on plant-based nutrition for diabetes empowerment. The class blends education, encouragement, and real-life strategies to help participants take control of their health through food, mindset, and sustainable habits. Sessions emphasize practical meal swaps, culturally familiar foods, and realistic approaches to managing blood sugar while still enjoying the foods we love.
Meet Tawana Rose
Chef Rose is a passionate diabetes advocate, educator, and founder of Tawana’s Corner. Diagnosed with diabetes in 2008, she openly shares her lived experience, including challenges, setbacks, and victories. She attended culinary school in 2013 and graduated in 2016, earning a certificate of completion in culinary arts with training in pastry and baking as well as fundamental and advanced culinary techniques.
Drawing from both her lived experience and professional culinary background, Tawana learned how to adapt her meals by making intentional culinary changes that maintain flavor while thoughtfully incorporating nutrient dense ingredients. She first joined Sorogi Health as a participant, and we are excited to welcome her to the Sorogi team as a chef, where she uses food as a practical and empowering tool for health and community wellness.
Tawana teaches with empathy and transparency, creating a judgment-free space where participants feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her approach centers on encouragement rather than restriction, reminding participants that health is a journey made up of good days, hard days, and the courage to keep going.
Class Objectives & Goals
Participants will be empowered to:
Build confidence in managing diabetes through plant-forward nutrition
Modify familiar, culturally loved meals in healthier ways
Develop sustainable habits that support long-term blood sugar control
Feel encouraged, supported, and capable of continuing their wellness journey
This class reinforces that every step forward counts, and that consistency — not perfection — leads to change.
Women’s Health Focus with Dr. Val
We are excited to share that Dr. Valerie Tagwira (Dr. Val) will be leading recurring women’s health sessions throughout the year. Her expertise in preventive care, menopause, hormonal health, and lifestyle medicine has already made a meaningful impact, and we are thrilled to continue expanding this space for education and open dialogue.
These sessions offer practical tools, real conversations, and evidence-based guidance to help women feel informed, confident, and empowered at every stage of life.
Movement That Evolves with You
As we reset and recharge in the new year, our fitness programming is evolving as well. Trainer Nicole shared:
“We’re getting more creative with our workouts — challenging the body in new ways while still honoring where each participant is.”
Participants can expect engaging routines that incorporate strength, cardio, balance, and flexibility, all designed to support functional movement and long-term health.
Look Out for Our January Blog Posts!
Blogs are posted on the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month!
January is New Beginnings, Strong Foundations
We encourage you to:
Explore our resources to highlight how we are working together to break barriers in diabetic care.
Reflect on simple, intentional ways to restore your energy and prioritize your wellbeing, one healthy habit at a time.
Stay Connected
Follow @SorogiHealth on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Facebook for updates, resources, and upcoming events.
Looking Ahead
January is just the beginning. We are excited for what lies ahead as we continue cooking, moving, learning, and growing together. Thank you for being part of the Sorogi Health community and for trusting us to be part of your wellness journey.
For questions or more information, please call (202) 594-9994, visit www.sorogi.com, or stop by our office at 4514 Benning Rd. SE, Washington, DC 20019.
Here’s to a year of resetting with purpose, recharging with support, and building strong foundations together. 💙
