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
Sometimes we lose trees in our landscapes. It may be due to a pest (insect or disease), a strong...
Purdue Extension is hosting a Beef Quality Assurance training on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from...
Cindy Hoye’s connection with 4-H began while she was growing up in Indianapolis, not far...
Purdue Extension Knox County 2026 Newsletter, featuring news in all of our program areas. Learn...
We have enjoyed a warm fall so far, but some insects and spiders will be trying to move into...
Any fresh produce comes with some level of risk because it is purchased raw. When fresh produce...