Esmeralda Cruz

Esmeralda Cruz

Esmeralda Cruz

Purdue Extension
Community Engagement Specialist
765.326.1222

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

father and son planting tree
The Benefits of Trees – Plant One Today!

Arbor Day is April 24, and many of you may be considering adding a tree, or maybe several trees...

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A woman gestures to a field of plants.
Purdue field day will help small-scale farmers learn and connect

The Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day on July 23, co-hosted by the Department of Horticulture...

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Purdue Extension.
4-H SPARK Club Sparks New Interest at Mary Daly Elementary

On Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 PM, students in grades 3-6 at Mary Daly Elementary School in Elkhart...

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Purdue Extension.
Alzheimer's Awareness Programs

Purdue Extension-Lake County is offering Alzheimer's Awareness Programs throughout Lake...

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An Extension specialist shows holes in a leaf to two attendees.
Purdue will share new research for fruit, vegetable growers at Meigs Farm

Purdue University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Purdue...

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4-H urban ag youth standing outside in front of high tunnels holding plastic cups
4-H Urban Ag Youth Program

Northwest Indiana youth in grades 3–12 are invited to explore the exciting world of urban...

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