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
Many Northwest Indiana residents have very little connection to farming. Purdue Extension-Lake...
Cool, wet springs in recent years have contributed to the prevalence of a common tree disease...
As more Indiana residents move to cities and suburbs, they have found ways to stay connected to...
Many of us love nature and walking through the woods or other natural areas. But what potential...
2026 10-Year Member Recognition All forms and photographs are due May 31, 2026!
The 2026 IEHA Home & Family Conference is June 15-17 in Nashville, IN.