Esmeralda Cruz
Meet Our Team
Esmeralda Cruz
Esmeralda Cruz, M.S., holds a master's degree in Youth Development and Agricultural Education from Purdue University. She served as the Health and Human Sciences Educator for Purdue Extension in Clinton County for nine years, where she established and led several transformative initiatives alongside community partners including Community Raising and Starting Heroes, Grassroots Leadership Development, Emergency Fund for Immigrant Families, Bi-Literacy Program, Padres Estrellas, Education after High School, and the Raíces Festival.
In 2024, she transitioned to her current role as Community Engagement Specialist with Purdue Extension. In this capacity, she leads culturally responsive engagement initiatives and collaborates with state and local partners to address the unique challenges and opportunities of underserved communities. Esmeralda serves on various community and state boards such as the Center for Rural and Migrant Health, Center for Rural Research, Education, and Outreach, Clinton County Community Foundation, and IU Rural Health Subcommittee.
Recent News
The Elkhart County Extension Homemakers Fall Holiday Committee is hard at work preparing for...
There are carpenters in the insect world, at least in name.
Washington County Sheep Association Seeking Consignments by Sept. 5 for the 20th Annual Midwest...
Join Purdue Extension for a free field day to gain practical, research-based insights you can use...
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape...
The August-September 2026 Newsletter is now available.